fcca cruising magazine 3rd qtr. 2011

3rd qtr-2011 final_Quarterly Magazine 9/17/11 12:54 PM

GoDominicanRepublic.com

Even before you set foot ashore, you realize how truly extraordinary Dominican Republic is. The arrival of the cruise ship to any of the three world-class harbors: Santo Domingo, La Romana or Samaná, is nothing short of spectacular, with views of the impressive mountain landscape, wonderful marine life and other splendid sights as you travel through. Sail to the Dominican Republic. The adventure of your dreams is closer than you think.

GET ACLOSERV I E W

1 2 2:56 PM

3rd qtr-2011 final_Quarterly Magazine 9/17/11 12:54 PM

©2011 United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

800.372.USVI

Head toward a cruise destination both you and your passengers will appreciate. The

four ports of the U.S. Virgin Islands offer well-established cruise destinations with newly

renovated and fully appointed facilities. Additionally, St. Croix offers highly efficient

bunkering services. Plus, our white sand beaches, turquoise waters and picturesque towns

offer all the island experiences your passengers are looking for. For more information on

the ports of the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.viport.com and www.wico-vi.com.

A GREAT CRUISE STARTS WITH A GREAT PORT.OR FOUR.

FREDERIKSTED

ST. CROIX

CROWN BAYST. THOMAS

WEST INDIAN COMPANYST. THOMAS

GALLOWS BAY DOCK

ST. CROIX

3rd qtr-2011 final_Quarterly Magazine 9/17/11 12:54 PM Page 1

Third Quarter 2011 • Cruising Magazine 5

Micky ArisonChairman & CEOCarnival Corporation

Daniel J. HanrahanPresident & CEOCelebrity Cruises

Karl L. HolzPresidentDisney Cruise Line

Richard E. SassoPresident & CEOMSC Cruises (USA) Inc.

Kevin SheehanFCCA Chairman,CEONorwegian Cruise Line

Stephen A. NielsenVice President,Caribbean & Atlantic Shore OperationsPrincess Cruises

Omari BreakenridgeManager of Communications & Design

Terri CanniciDirector, Special Events

Adam CeseranoSenior Vice President

James KazakoffSenior Director, Membership & EventOperations

Jessica LalamaExecutive Assistant

Justin PaigeCommunications & MarketingAdministrator

Michele M. PaigePresident

16 Atlantis, Paradise Island and Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Discover Atlantis In Two-Day Summit

36 ‘Tis the Best of Times for Aruba’s Cruise Industry

38 Belize, Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret: A Capital of Adventure and the Caribbean Gateway to Central America and Mayan Culture

43 The Cayman Islands’ Underwater Playground

46 Curaçao to Host 19th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show

19 New Orleans Welcomes Back FCCA Platinum Conference

23 Discover How Puerto Rico Does It Better at the 18th Annual FCCA Conference and Trade Show

27 Lines Charting Rough Waters: Some Ways Cruise Lines Stay Profitable in a Tough Market

33 The Power of Partnerships - Developing a Sustainable Cruise Industry in the Caribbean

Puerto Rico

7 President’s Letter

10 Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights

64 Faces in the Industry

66 Meetings and GreetingsWith the FCCA

CRUISINGTHE FLORIDA-CARIBBEAN CRUISE ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

FLORIDA-CARIBBEANCRUISEASSOCIATION Third Quarter 2011

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)11200 Pines Blvd., Suite 201, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026Phone: (954) 441-8881 • Fax: (954) 441-3171Website: www.f-cca.com • E-mail: [email protected] Magazine © 2011 ~ All Rights Reserved.Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise, without written permission of the FCCA is prohibited.

To subscribe or change your address, please send requeststo [email protected]

The information in this publication is provided "as is." FCCA and its Member Lines disclaim all representations and warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any information,services, products and materials contained herein. FCCA and its Member Lines will in no event be liable for any damage or losses as a result of your use of this publication.

FCCA Member LinesAIDA Cruises • Azamara Club Cruises • Carnival Cruise Lines • Celebrity Cruises • Costa Cruise Lines • Cunard Line

Disney Cruise Line • Holland America Line • MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. • Norwegian Cruise Line P&O Cruises • Princess Cruises • Royal Caribbean International • Seabourn

FCCA Staff

Departments

Features

SpotlightCover ImageExecutive Committee

Photo credit: Puerto Rico TourismCompany


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Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board (European Offi ce)

23/25, rue du Champ de l’Alouette - 75013 ParisTél. : +33 (0)1 40 62 99 07 - Fax : +33 (0)1 40 62 99 08

E-mail : [email protected]

www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com


“If we are together, nothing is impossible. If

we are divided, all will fail.” -Winston Churchill

Strength in numbers is a familiar concept and one that wefrequently employ in our business operations. We constantlyrely on our partners – not just for funds, but also ideas, input,support, etc. They are the ones we turn to when we want toexpand or when we need a helping hand.

Of course, reliable and knowledgeable partners can be hardto find, especially without the right resources. This is whythe FCCA exists: to develop cooperative and synergisticrelationships with our destination partners at both the publicand private sectors and help them actualize our wealth ofresources and know-how.

This is also one of the main focuses of our 18th AnnualConference & Tradeshow in San Juan, Puerto Rico, whichwill be taking place from October 3-7. Its balance between

business sessions, social functions and the tradeshow, coupled with the attendance of dozens of cruise execu-tives, representatives from destinations’ governments and over a thousand players from all facets of the indus-try, create the perfect forum for the exchange of information and industry trends, sharing of ideas and cultiva-tion of business relationships that can lead to valuable partnerships.

Beyond providing all of that, the Conference really epitomizes what the FCCA Platinum and AssociateMembership offers, as this is just one of many events with the same goals in mind, along with our year-roundprojects and publications to ease and promote communications between our partners: our Platinum andAssociate Members, member cruise lines and their executives, destination partners’ public and private sectorsand all other players in the industry, as we all benefit each other and serve as partners to the industry.

This edition of Cruising focuses on some of our partners, such as Aruba, Atlantis, Belize, the Cayman Islandsand Puerto Rico. It shows one of the other ways that we bring our partners and the cruise executives togetherto learn from each other and cultivate business and worthwhile relationships through the events like thePlatinum Conference and Atlantis Summit. Also featured is a piece written by Jamie Sweeting of RoyalCaribbean that shows how sustainable tourism really requires partnership, as well.

So take a minute or an hour to learn a little about partnership by reading through this edition, or experience itfirst-hand at the 18th Annual Conference & Tradeshow in San Juan, Puerto Rico from October 3-7.

Respectfully yours,

Michele M. PaigePresident, FCCA


(Left to right) Jaime López Díaz, Chief DevelopmentOfficer, Puerto Rico Department of Economic

Development and Commerce, Michele M. Paige, JoseR. Perez-Riera, Secretary of Economic Development

and Commerce and Mario González Lafuente,Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company

President’s Letter


During the Final Weeks, PassengersTake Advantage of Carnival CruiseLines and Mobile Bay

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Elation is sched-uled to sail out of Mobile for good at theend of October, but that hasn’t stoppedguests from taking advantage of whatMobile Bay has to offer before heading offto the Western Caribbean. Many cruisepassengers are booking rooms a couple ofdays prior to their departure so they canvisit the more than 25 attractions inMobile Bay, eat fresh seafood from theGulf and take in the sights and sounds ofthe ever-emerging arts community. Alsooffered are ‘Park and Cruise’ packageswith free parking and shuttles to the ship.Having these options available for thosesailing out of Mobile has been a great eco-nomic asset to the city. On average, a fam-ily of four could spend anywhere between$300 and $600 for three days in Mobilebefore sailing off to Mexico.

Port Canaveral Breaks Ground on New$60 Million Cruise Facility

With a ceremonial toss of dirt, construc-tion officially began on a $60 million newcruise terminal facility at Port Canaveral,slated for completion next July. The$26.6 terminal will feature a sleek, mod-

ern design with two-story atrium and beable to simultaneously embark and dis-embark passengers. It will include a1100-seat waiting area and will providespace for showcasing Brevard Countyand the Central Florida region. In addi-tion to the terminal, the new facility willinclude a new $23 million pier, $3 mil-lion gangway, and $7.5 million parkinggarage with a covered walkway and first-level retail shops. The project is led bySkanska of Orlando, FL and IveyConstruction of Rockledge, FL.

Dominican Republic’s Puerto PlataRegion Attracts Carnival Corporation’s$65 Million Modern Cruise Terminal

Dominican Republic Minister ofTourism, Francisco Javier García, offi-cially announced the construction of amodern cruise ship terminal in the mag-nificently pristine Puerto Plata region inthe Port of Maimon on DominicanRepublic’s North Coast.

The $65 million investment by CarnivalCorporation ensures the vibrant rebirth ofthis unique region. Puerto Plata is knownfor its authentic, rich Dominican culturein walkable cities and towns resting alongthe Atlantic coast and features amazinghotels, restaurants and eco-adventures innearby moutains, waterfalls, caves, andbeaches ideal for windsports. The newcruise terminal will accomodate up totwo ships and construction may begin byOct. 2012.

According to preliminary studies, PuertoPlata will welcome 250,000 cruise pas-sengers in the first year and up to 600,000

in following years. The new terminal inMaimon Bay, just north of the city ofPuerto Plata, will feature shopping,parks, an aquatic environment, and manynew public amenities.

Carnival Corporation noted that PuertoPlata features excellent conditions as atourist destination, a rich historic center,lots of restaurants and hotels, and a leveein good condition. But what really con-vinced them was the way in which theMinister of Tourism motivated them tounderstand the region’s assets duringthe 17th Florida Caribbean CruiseAssociation Conference held in SantoDomingo in 2010.

The qualities and beauty of the area andthe modern new cruise facilities areexpected to create a northern gatewayinto the large island nation’s pristineNorth Coast and lush green land beyond.Although the terminal will be built andoperated by Carnival Corporation, othercruise lines will also call on Puerto Plata.For more information on Puerto Plata,visit: GoDominicanRepublic.com. PortCanaveral Breaks Ground on New $60Million Cruise Facility

Guatemala Puerto Quetzal CruiseTerminal: “The Experiences You WillHave In This Country Will Stay InYour Heart Forever”

We are very pleased to be back with anew cruise season in the Pacific shore ofGuatemala. Everything is set to welcomethe travelers and crewmembers, so theycan enjoy exciting destinations and returnhome relaxed after experiencing the

10 Cruising Magazine • Third Quarter 2011

Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights



many new and different cultures ofGuatemala.

The fun will not only be for those takinga tour to Antigua, the Pacaya Volcano orthe beautiful coffee farms in the main-land; many new attractions will beoffered at the Terminal so travelers andcrew members can taste and feel a bit ofGuatemala and our culture without leav-ing the terminal grounds.

We hope to receive many ships duringthis coming season!

Guatemala Tourism Board, in conjunc-tion with port authorities and private sec-tor, appreciates the support from RoyalCaribbean International to the GuatemalaCruise Industry.

Port Of Progreso: Gateway To TheMayan World

The Port is strategically located in theYucatan Peninsula, which offers plenty offun and services to make your stay aunique experience. It is your startingpoint to the Mayan World, a major attrac-tion for visitors in search of nature, folk-lore and a culinary experience.

Progreso’s cruise terminal specializes incruise ships and ferries, covers 13.6 acres,has two docks and the capacity to servetwo fourth-generation mega cruise shipssimultaneously. The north and south piersare 984-feet long, with a 30-foot draft,and also has a 590-foot long pier, with a23-foot draft dock, to receive ferries. Thepassenger terminal has immigrationoffices, stores, bars, a pool, a playing area,

duty-free shops, public telephone service,drinking water supply for the ships andecological treatment for organic and inor-ganic dangerous waste, anti-fire system,bunker, car rental, mooring, continuousfree transportation for passengers andcrew, terminal-city-terminal.

Puerto de Guaymas: The New Destinyof the Sea of Cortez

After the good results obtained in theyear 2011 with the cruise arrivals ofHolland America Line’s Oosterdam andZaandam and Azamara Journey ofAzamara Club Cruises, Puerto deGuaymas was consolidated as one of thebest products of the Sea of Cortez route.Several passengers said that the toursoffered were classified as unique.

Disney Cruise Line confirms for the firsttime the arrival of Disney Wonder toGuaymas on January 2, 2012.

Disney Wonder has a capacity of 2400passengers and brings a crew of 950 peo-ple, with a length of 964 feet.

Port Of Miami To Welcome RegentSeven Seas Cruises

Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parentcompany of Oceania Cruises and RegentSeven Seas Cruises, and a market leaderin the upper premium and luxury seg-ments of the cruise industry recentlyannounced it will be relocating Regent’soperations to the Port of Miami.

Beginning in the fall of 2012, Regent

Seven Seas Cruises, which now operatesout of Port Everglades, will join its sistercompany Oceania Cruises at the Port ofMiami. Oceania has been headquarteredat the Port of Miami since the upscalecruise line’s start up in 2003. The com-bined brands of Regent Seven Seas andOceania Cruises will account for morethan 30 ship calls annually.

Bill Johnson, Director for the Port ofMiami, said Regent Seven Seas will bringa new high-end brand to the Port’salready distinguished fleet.

Both Oceania and Regent ships will berthat the Port’s newly renovated CruiseTerminal J. The Port of Miami has invest-ed nearly $3 million on facility renova-tions and dockside improvements.

Trinity Air Ambulance European Rescue

On August 10th, 2011 at 2:34 AM, Trinityreceived a call for help from a CoralSprings firefighter. He explained that oneof his fellow firefighters and her friendwere critically injured in a motor vehicleaccident while on holiday in Romania. Thefriend had sustained a serious spinal cordinjury. The physician in Bucharest told thepatient's family that there was, "no hope forrecovery." By that evening, Trinity had suc-cessfully air evacuated both patients fromBucharest to Athens, Greece so they couldreceive advanced medical treatment. Oncestabilized in Athens, Trinity dispatchedanother full medical team to Athens for thesecond transport leg home. Trinity safelytransported the ventilated critically injuredpatient the 14 flight hours back to FortLauderdale.



Upon Trinity's safe arrival in Florida, ahelicopter transported the vented patientto a local trauma center. Thanks toTrinity's rapid response and coordination,both patients are back in the US receivingthe medical care they need!

Gray Line Guatemala is Now BluePlanet Tours

Gray Line has now adopted the newbrand "Blue Planet Tours" to conduct itsbusiness in Guatemala. Under the slogan"A world of adventure", Blue PlanetTours will actually improve the alreadygreat quality services provided under theGray Line brand and focus on a moreeco-conscious strategy. Blue Planet'sbrand immediately projects images of ourbeautiful Earth floating in space and theurgent need to take better care of ourhome. We believe that by educating ourguests on the eco-systems they visit andthe need to protect them, we are creatinga better future for humanity. For moreinformation please contact AlessandroMencos at +1-786-866-7886 or [email protected].

Get Social in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The USVI Department of Tourism’s offi-cial, free “My Virgin Islands” smart-phone app is the newest way for cruisepassengers to explore St. Croix, St. Johnand St. Thomas.

With an active network connection, appusers can seamlessly peruse USVI photoand video galleries, view webcamfootage throughout the islands and accessrecipes and site reviews, to name a few.Even without an active connection, you’llhave one-touch access to view businesslistings, add and remove bookmarks,review travel tips and taxi rates andaccess trivia games and event listings.

Check with your mobile provider for net-work coverage and terms and conditionsfor using your device while in the U.S.Virgin Islands. To download or learnmore about the app, visit www.myvirgin-islands.com.

Stay in the loop on USVI developments,deals and events in real-time by checkingout the USVI Department of Tourism onFacebook (Facebook.com/VisitUSVI)and Twitter (twitter.com/USVIMockoJumbie).

Get to St. Barts With Speed, Style andSavvy with the Great Bay ExpressGreat Bay Express: A High SpeedFerry operation to the French Ethnic

Island St. Barts, established by the ownerof "Bobby's Marina". Strategically locat-ed in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint-Maarten, minutes from the Juliana airport& 45 minutes across the waters to St.Barts. The vessel “Shantiwa", a

Louisiana built aluminum 65' mono-hullflying under the strict British MCAsupervision. The hull design makes itperfect to give as comfortable of a ride aspossible. A refreshing cold towel & 3seating option shaded deck, open rooftopand one air-conditioned salon makes thetrip most memorable & enjoyable. Thetotal capacity is 134 passengers, with acruising speed at 23 knots, along with 3scheduled daily departures to and fromSt. Barts with a level of service previous-ly unavailable with Island travel (onboardentertainment, valuated ceilings, big,comfortable seats with lots legroom & amagnificent view).

FONATUR Operadora PortuariaBrings Its Wealth of Experience andOfferings to Mexican Ports

FONATUR Operadora Portuaria is thesubsidiary of FONATUR (Mexico,National Trust Fund for Tourism devel-opment) in charge of the Port Authorityof Cabo San Lucas in B.C.S, Huatulco inOaxaca and, most recently, Zihuatanejoin Guerrero, three of the best touristicports in Mexico, with wide acceptancefrom the cruise industry, due to its touris-tic vocation and excellent service (sup-ported by 14 years within operation ofports, as well as marinas management atthe Sea of Cortes and Huatulco, golfcourses and recreational parks).

The experience and commitment ofFONATUR is a characteristic of thesethree ports, like the first Cruise ServiceCenter for cruise passengers at Cabo SanLucas, which helps tourists to have a





most pleasant stay at the destination. Weassure you that you will find everythingyou are looking for in our ports, from out-door activities, extreme sports, golf, com-mercial shopping and archeological sitesto peaceful beaches to relax and enjoyyour stay.

Discover Mexico Park CozumelAwarded Certificate of Excellence

Because of its favorable ratings andreviews from international travelers, therenowned website TripAdvisor.com, lead-er in travel recommendations, has award-ed its prestigious “Certificate ofExcellence 2011” in the “Attractions” cat-egory to DISCOVER MEXICO ThemePark, located in Cozumel, Mexico.

This important distinction obtained bythe company is a testament to its positiverecord of several years of traveler’s opin-ions, those who know DISCOVERMEXICO first-hand and therefore posthonestly and objectively. To date, morethan 80 validated TripAdvisor users,some of them "senior" travelers, havegiven DISCOVER MEXICO a score of4.5 out of 5.0, an approval rate of 95%.

This park was also named one of the fivemost important attractions of Cozumel in2011 by TripAdvisor’s VISITORS GUIDE.

Marcos Martinez, DISCOVERMEXICO’s CEO, points to the excellentcomments that many TripAdvisor usershave posted about the park’s facilities andcultural events, but above all, the qualityservice of its guides.

A Small Island Embracing Big Plans

Aruba, the “one happy island”, is truly avacationer's paradise, especially now thatprojects are underway to upgrade andbeautify the urban and port areas in andaround the capital city of Oranjestad.Initiated in late 2009 by the governmentof Aruba, the multi-year plan named “BoAruba” (Your Aruba) will revitalize thedowntown area, improve the quality oflife in the center of Oranjestad, andencourage a return of the pedestrian pop-ulation. Once the various phases of theprogram are completed, the on-islandexperience of Aruba’s visitors will begreatly enhanced. Facilities such asrestaurants, cafés, water fountains, andrecreational parks will all play an integralrole in attracting the public and creating awelcoming environment for fun andrelaxation, making Oranjestad a “onehappy fascinating city” day and night.

Belize: “Mother Nature’s Best KeptSecret”

As one of the last unspoiled places onearth, Belize offers travelers the richlyrewarding authenticity they seek in aCaribbean getaway. Being a popular stopon the cruise line circuit, this tropical par-

adise is nestled between Mexico to thenorth and Guatemala to the west andsouth. For generations, the English-speaking people of Belize have demon-strated a commitment to preserving thecountry's unique charms. Belize offers aland rich in natural beauty and steep inthe history and culture of its Maya past.Renowned for having the second-largestbarrier reef in the world, Belize's pristinewaters, exotic marine and wildlife, lushunspoiled landscapes and superb divingtruly make it Mother Nature's Best KeptSecret. Whether a cruise passenger stopsfor a day visit or an extended stay, activ-ities are bountiful. For more informationon how you can be one with Belize,visit www.travelbelize.org or call tollfree: 1-800-624-0686.

Explora Caribe Tours: CustomTailored for You

Explora Caribe Tours has been in the landtour based industry, hosting guests fromcruise ships since 1996. We have maturedinto one of the leading tour agencies inMexico by focusing in adventure andnature oriented tours. We have made aname in Mexico as one of the safest andmost experienced operators.

We realize, however, that there is nogrowth and future unless we evolve, asdoes the cruise ship guest. In our fifteen-year history, our tours have matured fromguided tours in one specific port to inter-active adventures that bring the commu-nities of the seven different ports weoffer our tours in Mexico to the forefrontof the guest experience.



By offering port designed tours that high-light the uniqueness of the specific areaof the port and its surroundings, we bringour guests a comprehensive view of thearea by molding our tours to the best eachport has to offer. Our name gives theguest the security that if they view thearea with Explora Caribe Tours, theyknow they are in the best hands while inport, and we also guarantee our cruiseship partners the professionalism andsafety they have come to expect from us.

What Sets Dolphin Cove Apart

Jamaica locations Ocho Rios, MontegoBay, NegrilOcho Rios—next door to Dunn’s RiverFalls—is more than a “Swim withDolphins” attraction; it is a parkwhere one can spend the day and enjoythe beach, snorkeling and petting thestingrays, mini boat rides, nature walks tointeract with birds, snakes and iguanas,swim with and view shark show, restau-rants and exquisite shopping along theBoardwalk at Pirate Village.

Negril has the added excitement ofCamel Riding.

In Grand Cayman, you swim with thedolphin in the ocean, their natural habit.Guests enter along the paths of a“Cayman Forest” and look out for an igua-na or butterfly passing by; the birds willmeet you and sit on your shoulder. Leavefrom the personal dock for your visit to theworld famous Sting Ray City. Guests canalso feed and swim with the tarpons.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: ManyReasons Why It’s a Growing Destination

St. Vincent and the Grenadines consist of32 unspoiled islands stretching for 150 sq.miles. Visitors to our main island will betreated to nature at its best with visits to ourcaptivating La Soufriere volcano, black-sand beaches, lush rain forests, cascadingwaterfalls and our Botanical Garden, just toname a few. Our Grenadine islands possesssome of the best waters for sailing, snorke-ling and teem with spectacular coral reefs.Arriving cruise visitors will be impressedby our main Cruise Ship Terminal Complexwith its north and south berths that accom-modate vessels of up to 300 meters and 100meters. Managed and operated by the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authorityand located in capital city Kingstown, thecruise complex has gift shops, restaurants,telecommunication/internet services, aninformation office and a pick-up/set-downarea for land and water taxi service. As agrowing cruise destination, the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines warmly wel-come all our visitors.

Port of Houston Authority: BayportCruise Terminal

The Bayport Cruise Terminal can both han-dle some of the largest cruise vessels anddeliver a premier level of service. The ter-minal has more than 96,000 square feet in asingle story with a second-story boardingcorridor. The terminal can serve over 4,000cruise guests per vessel call within its sepa-rate embarkation and disembarkation areas.

Cruise guests will appreciate an adjacentparking lot with 800 to 1,000 spaces thatalso feature amenities such as valet park-ing. The 12,500-square-foot embarkationarea seats 600 cruise guests and canaccommodate up to 55 check-in stations.

The terminal boasts a 3,000-square-footVIP lounge, divisible into two or three pri-vate lounges. The 31,500-square-foot dis-embarkation area is designed for a luggagelay-down process.

The cruise terminal is supported by astrong airport system and exciting attrac-tions, which are sure to make it one of theUnited States’ top cruise homeports.

News from the Mobile Alabama CruiseTerminal

We are really sad here in Mobile. On October22 the Carnival Elation leaves for its newhome in New Orleans. We do wish her thebest! We have been the homeport to theHoliday, the Fantasy and now the Elation.Our journey has lasted seven years withCarnival. We feel we have a friend and wehope that one day they will come back andjoin us. Our Mobile family will miss them.

But do not put Mobile out! We are talkingwith several cruise lines at the present time.We hope that they will see what a great portwe are and what a great drive market Mobileis. We are ready and willing to supportanother cruise ship. Please give us a call andlet us make you an offer you just can’trefuse!! Sheila Gurganus, General Manager

UBM Live Upcoming Events

UBM Live is the organizer of CruiseShipping Miami, the premier gathering ofinternational cruise line owners, operatorsand suppliers. The annual event includesthe State of the Industry session, 4-daycruise conference, and a 3-day exhibitionwith 7 specialized supplier pavilions. Thenext event takes place March 12-15, 2012in Miami Beach, FL. Other events orga-nized by UBM Live include CruiseShipping Asia, taking place in Singapore,November 16-18, 2011, Seatrade Med, tak-ing place in Marseille France, November27-29, 2012, and Virtual Events. For moreinformation, visit www.cruiseshippingmia-mi.com UBM Live is a member of UnitedBusiness Media plc.





Atlantis, Paradise Island hosted the Florida-CaribbeanCruise Association (FCCA) for a successful two-daysummit from June 3-4, 2011. The landmark summit

gave the FCCA and top cruise executives the opportunity tosee the majesty of Atlantis, Paradise Island’s ground-breakingattractions, world-class accommodations and experience theone-of-a-kind guest experience the destination resort offers.

George Markantonis, president and managing director ofKerzner International Bahamas Limited, opened the event.The summit also featured appearances by major industry fig-ures, such as Kevin Sheehan, CEO for Norwegian CruiseLines and chairman of the FCCA; Michele Paige, the presi-dent of the FCCA; and Paul Burke, Atlantis’ COO.

During the opening ceremony, cruise line executives andFCCA officials were hosted to a private dolphin exhibitionand special dinner. Cruise line officials were educated withpresentations on the Atlantis marine and water park opera-tions by Michelle Liu, VP of marine aquarium operations;Teri Corbett, VP of marine mammal operations; and HenryBain, director of sales and marketing for the Marine andWater Park Division.

The second day of the summit, cruise executives, includingofficials from Carnival Cruise Lines; Royal CaribbeanCruises Limited; Disney Cruise Line; Norwegian CruiseLine; and Princess Cruises, met with Atlantis Marine andWater Park senior management to discuss potential cruiseship business plans for the Atlantis resort.

“The FCCA is one of Atlantis, Paradise Island’s most impor-tant business relationships,” said Bain. “This summit and ourcontinuing efforts to build stable, long-lasting relationshipswith the cruise line industry are vital not only to Atlantis, butthe Bahamas as well.”

Atlantis, Paradise Island was welcomed as PlatinumMembers of the FCCA in January 2011 - a status that marksthe resort’s ongoing commitment to building a stronger part-nership base with key cruise lines and improving tourism tothe Bahamas.

Atlantis, Paradise Island and Florida-Caribbean Cruise AssociationDiscover Atlantis In Two-Day Summit

From left to right, Henry Bain, Atlantis Marine and Water Park Director of Sales andMarketing, Teri Corbett, Vice President of Marine Mammal Operations, GeorgeMarkantonis, President and Managing Director of Kerzner International BahamasLimited, Michele Paige, President of the FCCA, Don Strickler, Senior Director Marineand Water Park, Michelle Liu Vice President, Marine Aquarium Operations, MarkGsellman, Senior Vice President and General Manager Marine and Water ParkOperations and Mr. Paul Burke, Chief Operating Officer Atlantis.

From left to right, Justin Paige, FCCA, Adam Ceserano, Sr. Vice President, FCCA,Michael Ronan, Vice President of Government Relations Royal Caribbean, MichelePaige, President, FCCA, Patrick Schneider Director of Tour Operations RoyalCaribbean, Megan Shaw, Analyst Royal Caribbean, Matthew Sams, Vice PresidentHolland America, Elvis Barr, Manager Sales and Marketing Atlantis, Larry Stauffer,Manager of Port Adventures Disney Cruise Lines, Lily Urrutia, Manager of TourOperations Norwegian Cruise Lines, Henry Bain Director of Sales and MarketingAtlantis, Lisa Jensen, Manager Tour Operations Princess Cruise Lines and MarkGsellman, Sr. Vice President Atlantis Marine and Water Park Operations.


Come play for the day.

To learn about all the exciting ways to spend your day at Atlantis, please visit our cruise partners’ websites: Carnival Cruise Lines | Disney Cruise Lines | Norwegian Cruise Lines | Royal Caribbean International

Or to begin offering these Atlantis Excursions through your cruise line, please contact [email protected].

Thrill seekers, get ready for Aquaventure, the Caribbean’s largest and most spectacular waterpark.

With �� acres of exciting water slides and river rides, you can take on the Power Tower, plunge from the Mayan Temple,

or float on a mile-long river journey before unwinding at one of �� pools. Delight in a Beach Day, along miles of white

sandy beaches. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the hundreds of slots and table games in the Caribbean’s largest casino.

Retail enthusiasts can shop the Crystal Court for haute couture or stroll Marina Village, a quaint, cobblestone plaza,

surrounding the world-class Atlantis Marina. �� million gallons of fun awaits you at Atlantis. Will you come out and play?

K

Crystal Court Marina Village 80 Table Games 800 Slots


An action-packed agenda, guestspeakers, sampling of localfood favorites, and Louisiana

bayou discoveries highlighted theFlorida-Caribbean Cruise Association’sreturn to New Orleans from July 8-13.Six years earlier, Platinum Membersand cruise executives gathered in thevibrant Crescent City, shortly beforeKatrina arrived. The historic hurricane,the size of the Gulf of Mexico, left 88percent of the city under water for threeweeks.

That was August 2005. If anyoneneeds to be reminded, New Orleanshas recovered – completely. The ArmyCorp of Engineers finished a massivelevy system. Memories of the Gulf oilspill have faded. Celebrated conven-tion business once again rules, and theFrench Quarter remains an icon. Lastyear the city hosted 8.3 million visi-tors. Locals proudly remind us that theSuper Bowl will be here again in 2013

– for an envious tenth time – firstsince Katrina.

More than 75 conference attendees(some from six years ago) discov-ered what cruise passengers alreadyknow – a night or two in The BigEasy is a must.

FCCA gave special recognition to GaryLaGrange, president and CEO for theport of New Orleans. “We wake upevery morning with the intent to build abigger and better community,” said Mr.LaGrange. “We’re not doing it alone. Itis the cruise industry that brought lifeback to New Orleans after Katrina.”

Carnival Cruise Line’s Gordon Buckremembered those tenuous times fol-lowing the storm: “We had two shipsdocked here to house those who arrivedto help in the aftermath.”

Conference co-sponsor New Orleans

Tours excelled with site inspections oflocal attractions, including famous OakAlley Plantation and the Jean LefitteSwamp Tour. Lucky delegates wereescorted by veteran guide WolfKassmeier and learned about visitormisperceptions. The Greater NewOrleans Convention and VisitorsBureau works to dispel them.

Platinum Members also were treated toa trip back in time with a theater dinnerat the National WWII Museum.Machines and murals pay homage tothe events and people during the 1930sand 1940s. The highlight is Beyond AllBoundaries, an epic IMAX documen-tary film about the global conflict, pre-sented in 4D and produced by TomHanks. Theater seats shake as bombsdrop. Visual thrills include seeing thenose section of a B-29 Super Fortressbeing lowered into position to completean aerial scene of flack and planes.


By Chris Roberts

New Orleans Welcomes Back FCCA Platinum Conference

Photo C

redits: Studio U



“I came out with a ‘wow,’” says DavidRandel, VP sales for Mobile’sConvention and Visitors Bureau.Allesandro Mencos, president of GrayLine Guatemala added, “The moviewas a perfect history lesson for my kids– and me.”

The museum (formerly known as theD-day Museum) hosted a buffet-styleCajun dinner (jambalaya & gumbodishes), followed by entertainment inthe spirit of Bob Hope saluting thetroops and a performance by the VictoryBelles, a harmonic trio of talentedsingers of a fare of oldies andgoodies in typical Stage DoorCanteen fashion. Judy and JohnReeve from Cruise ShipExcursions were spotted doing aperfect lip-sync to I’ll Be With Youin Apple Blossom Time.Spectacular additions are plannedfor the museum, including arestored PT boat.

Platinum Members and cruiseexecutives also visited the AudubonAquarium and the Audubon Zoo,both considered among the nation’sbest. “I haven’t been to a zoo since Iwas a child,” said Marco CesarNavarro Lopez, VP marketing andsales for Costa Maya, Mexico. “Itwas great fun. I learned that ele-phants can forget.”

The event’s festivities culminated witha cruise down the river that brought thePlatinum Members and cruise execu-tives to view the collection of MardiGras floats that will be parading thestreets. After perusing these artisticmasterpieces, the delegation was takento a site of equal marvel, a lush outdoorsetting lined with sprawling trees, vividgrass, verandahs, walkways andbridges, all set inside a building. Here,the guests were served catering frommany of New Orleans’s best restaurantsand had the chance to wrap up theirbusiness or personal discussions.

Business agenda showcases destina-tions at Platinum Associate MemberAdvisory Council (PAMAC) Meeting

Of course, business was still the mainobjective and was fostered and focusedon during the PAMAC Meeting andone-on-one meetings.

“One of the best parts about thePlatinum meeting this year was thearound- the-region overview with par-ticipants promoting their destination,”said Benoit Bardouille, CEO forDominica Air and Sea Ports Authority.“I liked how everyone was able to givean update, like a news report, and talkabout their latest developments. Itbrought the podium to the floor.”

Additionally, delegates were able toaddress their specific business issueswith cruise executives during one-on-one appointments. Here are some of the

points brought out from both thefloor and cruise line meetings:

“Issues with tendering areresolved; the dock is being resur-faced, and street vendors havebeen relocated to the nearbypark,” told James Nesbitt, generalmanager, Belize Tourism Village.

Eduardo Gonzales of DiscoverMexico Theme Park in Cozumel,

reported he will now be the nationaladvisor for cruise ships for the Mexicangovernment.

Marc Melville, co-managing director ofChukka Caribbean Adventures inJamaica, recapped tour operations fromthe new port of Falmouth: “The car-riage rides at Good Hope Great House

Photo Credits: Studio U


are so popular we bought four morePersian draft horses.” StaffordBurrowes, managing director ofDolphin Cove (their latest addition isnear Negril), added, “We do have abeautiful country to offer Caribbeantravelers.”

Aruba Ports Authority’s managingdirector, Alfonso Boekhoudt,announced that summer business isincreasing. Additionally, land has beenpurchased near the pier to accommo-date independent tour operators. Forpassengers, more good news – just stepaboard the new walkway to head fromthe pier to downtown Oranjestad.

Bishen John, CEO for St. Vincent andthe Grenadines Port Authority, told theaudience about his nation’s improve-ments for cruise tourism: “We haveupgraded the cruise terminal and 13 ofour tourist sites, plus we are now mar-keting Tobago Cays National Park andReserve. Right now an estimated 3,000yachts anchor in the scenic lagoonannually.”

Representing Guadeloupe, Olivier

Bernard Michel reported results froma previous visit of FCCA officials –the capital Pointe-a-Pitre has secureda second Costa ship for the 2012-13season.

Direct from St. Thomas, the owners ofCruise Ship Excursions reported thatthe venerable Kon Tiki Party Boat tourhas returned – better than ever. And Rick Graham, founder of OriginalCanopy Tours, traveled from CostaRica to promote his new tour in SanJuan – Aerial Tram, Butterfly & Aviaryat La Marquesa Forest Park, 30 minutesfrom the pier. Mr. Graham also attend-ed the FCCA conference in Hondurasand told the audience, “It was necessaryand provided an excellent venue forCentral American partners to bring uptheir concerns.”

And let’s not forget the reminder fromKevin Watt with Kapitol Reef, thecompany known for award-winningsnorkel gear, “People who do not getinto the water are missing half of theirvacation.”

Michael Kazakoff was one of a bevy of

guest speakers. The vice president ofUnited Business Media, organizers forCruise Shipping Miami, brought newsof another global convention worthnoting – Cruise Shipping Asia,November 11-18. “Asia’s appetite fortravel supports why the continentgrows in importance to the cruiseindustry,” said Mr. Kazakoff. “To theAmericas, Asia’s outbound travel grew20 percent last year – a whole differenttype of tourist.”

After the PAMAC Meeting that high-lighted the destinations’ and compa-nies’ news and developments, the mem-bers were able to meet one-on-one withcruise executives of their choice to fur-ther expound on these new features,discuss further development, futureitineraries, shore excursion/productinclusion onboard the ships and a num-ber of other points of interest for themember or executive.

The FCCA Platinum Conferenceshowed that you can truly bring busi-ness and pleasure together and thatthe Big Easy is one of the best set-tings for this.


Photo Credits: Studio U


Few places on Earth can boast ofhaving the combination of natu-ral beauty and urban attractions

that Puerto Rico has. While the entireIsland offers a rich bounty of nature’sbeauties, San Juan offers attractions asdiverse as its five hundred-year-oldcity: museums, galleries, shoppingand excellent restaurants. During thisnext Florida-Caribbean CruiseAssociation Conference, we want youto discover for yourself how “PuertoRico Does It Better.”

Puerto Rico, the main homeport in theCaribbean, receives around 1.2 millioncruise passengers on a yearly basis. Forthe government of Puerto Rico, it isessential to execute initiatives thatmaintain Puerto Rico’s appeal for visi-tors. With the opening of new hotels,new attractions and new airlines servic-ing the destination, Puerto Rico hasremained on the correct path towardachieving this goal.

For example, the world’s secondlongest zipline adventure park, ToroVerde, was recently inaugurated. It is anecological adventure where visitorsglide through a rainforest canopy on a

lengthy cable system, providing themwith a real bird’s-eye view of the tree-tops and its ecology. For children,Puerto Rico also has a new NaturalHistory Museum and the Punto Verdeeco-park, where they can learn aboutnature and how we can best preserveand protect our natural environment.Hacienda Campo Rico, located just fif-teen minutes from San Juan, offers awide range of activities, includinghorseback riding, ziplining, ATV’s, andgolf. The Museum of Ponce has recent-ly been re-inaugurated and offers aunique experience to visitors, alongwith the remainder 30-plus tours thatPonce has put together to offer thecruise lines. These new attractions onlyadd to the experience of visiting Elyunque Rainforest, the only tropicalrainforest in the U.S. Forest Servicesystem and the Forts of Old San Juan.

Puerto Rico has also embarked on amulti-year redevelopment program forthe San Juan Waterfront, which willprovide a number of new attractions,hotels, parks, pedestrian and bicycletrails, interconnecting the waterfrontwith the old city, the Convention CenterDistrict and the Condado area. This

program includes major infrastructuredevelopments, such as the Pier 3canopy removal, which will now allowthe next generation of cruise ships todock in San Juan.

As far as new hotels, in the last twoyears, two 5-star properties haveopened their doors. The recently inau-gurated W Retreat and Spa in Viequesalready has been named to Condé NastTraveler’s “2011 Hot List”, Travel +Leisure’s “2011 It List,” and voted bestCaribbean island by Travel + Leisure.The W offers a unique and varied expe-rience. While in Vieques, visitors candive into thrilling water sports or reju-venate at AWAY SPA by W Hotels; takea dip in the infinity-edged pool;immerse in the wonders of theBioluminescent Bay, the world’s largestand brightest; and sample world-classcuisine by Alain Ducasse. The St. RegisBahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico hasalso been named to Condé NastTraveler’s “2011 Hot List” and theTravel Professional Favorite. While atthe Resort, guests can choose between ateeing off at the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.golf course; entering a world of pam-pering at the Remède Spa; savoring


Discover How Puerto Rico Does It Better at the 18th Annual FCCA Conference and Trade Show


Jean-Georges’ acclaimed cuisine atFern; lounging at the pool; or baskingon pristine, sandy Bahia Beach.

As Puerto Rico prepares to grow itshomeport industry and expand its hoteloffering, it also has to improve its airaccess. In the last two years alone,Puerto Rico has been able to add fourinternational airlines that were previ-ously not serving the market. VirginAtlantic introduced a weekly directflight from London and was followed ayear later by British Airways with twoweekly flights a year. Condor Airlinesannounced the establishment of twoweekly direct flights from Frankfurtthat will begin by the end of this year,and West Jet has recently announcedthat they will also begin servicingPuerto Rico with two weekly flightsfrom Toronto. These four airlines haveseen the potential that Puerto Rico hasas a cruise- and land-stay market.

The domestic air service of Puerto Ricofrom the continental United States hasalso grown in the last couple of years.Jet Blue has added new destinations totheir portfolio, including Tampa,Hartford, Jacksonville, the UnitedStates Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten.Air Tran established a flight fromTampa and increased Baltimore fre-quency. The Government of PuertoRico has also established a program to

incentivize and grow the GeneralAviation market in the Island. Theseincreases in air access are essential forPuerto Rico to maintain its position asthe hub of the Caribbean.

In order to remain competitive, theGovernment of Puerto Rico has alsoworked with the cruise industry indeveloping an aggressive incentiveslaw to promote this $250 million indus-try. This new incentives law includescomponents to promote both homeportand transit visits through passengerhead tax discounts and dollar incentivesper passenger, incentives to promoteprovisioning in Puerto Rico, incentivesfor promoting the homeports in PuertoRico, and an incentive to promote thedevelopment of new excursions.

The incentives law provides a strongbasis for growth. However, theGovernment of Puerto Rico has alsoembarked on strategic projects toimprove the cruise passenger experi-ence at the ports. For example, in OldSan Juan, the Government constructeda staging area for tourism transporta-tion, which provides a waiting area forthe buses and taxis that previously didnot have an area where they could waitfor their turn to pick up passengers.This staging area has alleviated the traf-fic that could sometimes form near thepiers and has organized the tourism

transportation by assigning areas toeach type of transportation. In order toenforce this plan, the police have beengiven training and have been an essen-tial part of the process. Also, in order toprovide information for the tourists, theGovernment of Puerto Rico has imple-mented an “Information on the Go”program. Employees will be goingaround the ports area and Old San Juanin Segways, providing information onthe destination to tourists.

Certainly Puerto Rico has been able toadd new experiences to its destinationand improve the cruise passenger expe-rience. During the FCCA Conference,the Government of Puerto Rico will beshowcasing their latest improvementsand projects so that visitors can experi-ence how “Puerto Rico Does it Better!”


Photo credits: Puerto Rico Tourism company


The cruise industry has an extended history of dealingwith hardships and conflicts that could have crippledless resilient businesses; it has persevered, and even

thrived, during events like the oil crisis of the 1980’s, theIranian revolution, the launch of Desert Storm, 9/11 and therecent economic collapse. This is why it is not surprising thatmany cruise lines and the industry as a whole have continuedto post gains during the aftershocks of the recent recessionand soaring gas prices.

It has been able to achieve this because of a number of fac-tors. Looking at the large picture of the industry, we can seeclear advantages of having a movable commodity that canavoid civil unrest, natural disasters, etc., while also possess-ing the ability to easily shift to less saturated and more lucra-tive markets; of constantly keeping their audience excitedand expecting the unexpected through innovative new prod-ucts: cruise ship builds (which also expands capacity), newdestinations, shore excursions and infrastructure, etc.; ofattracting new demographics that have a history of loyalty(first-time cruisers) and those that present promising futures(Baby Boomers); and doing all this while offering unrivaledvalue, even in the face of increased operational costs.

Indeed, these are all good reasons why a record-breaking 15million passengers cruised in 2010, despite economic woesand rising gas prices. But though the industry shares all of theaforementioned features and benefits, the different cruiselines have specific business models and facets that promotefurther growth, competition and variety for cruisers, which

also helps the overall industry. Some of these highlights willbe profiled below.

Norwegian Cruise Line has posted impressive gains in thefirst two quarters of 2011, seeing a 37.5% rise of adjustedEBITDA and 20.7% increase in net revenue in the first quar-ter ($81.9 million versus $59.5 million and $368 million ver-sus $304.9 million, respectively, for the same period in2010). The second quarter witnessed a 29% gain of adjustedEBITDA ($123.5 million versus $95.7 million in the samequarter of 2010) and a net revenue increase of 19.8% ($418million versus $349 million), despite a 17.1% increase of theprice of fuel.

A good portion of the reason for NCL’s ability for this is theaddition of Epic to their fleet. However, this is just part oftheir overall goal—of creating modern boutique hotels thatprovide the pinnacle of luxury and service at sea. Epic,though befitting of its name and truly a marvel, was justanother in the line of the fleet and luxury expansion, as itjoined the Jewel class of Gem, Pearl, Jade and Jewel, whichall offer this unique luxury cruising experience, along withthe culinary delicacy, best in show entertainment and effi-ciency of space and passenger flow that NCL has becomerenowned for. And this is certainly not the end of the line, astwo new ships following suit have already been announcedwith Project Breakaway, which will debut two 144,000-ton,4,000-passenger vessels that encapsulate the line’s image ofluxury and floating boutique hotels that contain the bestamenities of the Jewel class and Epic, while also actualizing


Lines Charting Rough Waters: Some Ways Cruise Lines Stay Profitable in a Tough Market



the lessons learned and offering a unique flair. And those thatwere on line early, such as Dawn, have also received some ofthe posh fare, as it recently underwent a multi-million dollarrefurbishment. NCL is keeping up with the European trends,as well, as seen by being named “Europe’s Leading CruiseLine” four years in a row (2008-2011) by the World TravelAwards and gearing up for Epic’s inaugural season in Europe.

Disney Cruise Line stays true to its roots and offers a family-friendly product filled with activities for all ages. There is theWalt Disney Theater, resembling a Broadway house andoffering the entertainment that Disney is renowned floor;Studio Sea, which offers G-rated floor shows; and the BuenaVista Cinema playing Disney flicks, many in “Disney Digital3-D,” which uses lasers, fog, streamers and special lightingeffects, onboard Disney’s current fleet. There are poolsgeared for the kids and ones that let the adults escape. Thereis fine Italian cuisine and a spa that prohibits children, butthere is also a children’s program that kids are automaticallyenrolled in. Even the rooms take family into accounts, as thecapacious cabins can handle at least four, and there are fam-ily cabins that hold six. The upcoming 128,000-ton, 2,500-passenger Dream and Fantasy will expand these options asmuch as they will the capacity, with such innovations as theAquaDuck “watercoaster,” “Enchanted Art,” virtual port-holes in inside cabins, redesigned and technologicallyupgraded kids’ clubs and new stage production, like“Disney’s Believe.”

MSC Cruises uses its Italian heritage to offer a veneratedname in the European market, and it, too, is expanding andpenetrating new markets, such as Arabia and South America.In fact, it has earned the status as the number one cruise com-pany in Brazil and South America, though its focus turns toEurope during the summer seasons. It provides lush luxury,European style, exquisite dining and high standards of serviceto markets around the globe. And beyond expanding its mar-kets, it is also adding to its fleet with the upcoming additionof Divina, which will also possess the award-winning interiordesign, comfort, cuisine and friendly service for which MSCis known, but one of its biggest claims to fame will be itsindustry-leading environmental ratings, as it is designed to bea green ship on the blue seas.

Royal Caribbean International is fully embracing the“International” in their name and engaging in the global mar-ket that cruising has become, along with working to renovateand enlarge their fleets. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines plansto utilize their fleet size to send twelve ships to Europe in2012 to offer Mediterranean, Northern European and Balticcruises, while it will also penetrate markets like Australiawith two ships (Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of theSeas) and China/Asia with Voyager of the Seas. As it fullyrealizes the importance of its fleet, it has worked to renovate

it, with $300 million worth of updates derived from the Oasisclass fit to Liberty of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas,Splendour of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. The Oasisclass itself is well-known and a relatively recent and verysubstantial expansion of the line, which has raised the bar forinnovations on board cruise ships and increased capacitywith the two 5,400-passenger, 225,000-ton titans.

Celebrity Cruises is following in the same footsteps andcommencing its largest-ever Europe an lineup in the summerof 2012, with five ships visiting 70 ports in 22 countries; sail-ing from six departure ports; and offering 19 distinctMediterranean itineraries. It will also be sending Solsticedown under to make its Australian debut during the winter of2012-2013, and the soon-to-be Solsticized Millenium willsail Celebrity’s first-ever Asian routes in the 2012/2013 win-ter season. The Solsticizing refers to the renovations ofCelebrity’s Millenium class, which began in 2010 withConstellation and adds many popular features from theSolstice class, such as a creperie, martini bar, gelateria, winebar, more sumptuous suites and restyled staterooms. Infinitywill emerge from dry dock in December of this year, withSummit following in January 2012 and Millenium complet-ing her facelift in April 2012. Of course, the newly renovat-ed Millenium and the young Solstice class will be availablefor many sailings in the Caribbean market, and RoyalCaribbean certainly will not forget their last name.

Azamara Club Cruises offers: smaller vessels with person-alized service and a posh environment. Though it offersmany of the big-ship amenities, such as a casino, multipledining venues and a spacious fitness facility, the small-ship experience allows for a more tailored, intimate atmo-sphere and more in-depth port opportunities, e.g.


overnighting in Ho Chi Minh City, Livorno, London, St.Barth and Warnemunde.

Carnival Corporation is using its size and subsidiaries to utilizemyriad different strategies. Carnival Cruise Lines optimizesvalue to make cruising more affordable and attract first-timecruisers and those seeking to stretch their dollar while still hav-ing all of the fun that has led to Carnival’s ships being dubbedthe “Fun Ships.” One of the ways it does this is through offer-ing numerous drive-to homeports that keep the cost of pre-cruise travel down by providing proximity to passengers sothat they can drive to the ports, which is possible because ofCarnival’s sizable fleet of 24 ships. It will also be unveilingtwo new 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger ships to complete theDream class, which will share many of the same innovativefeatures, such as the Seaside Theatre; massive “Cloud 9” spa;WaterWorks aqua park; special family cabins; and 11,250-square-foot adults-only area, but the two new ships will alsofeature new culinary options and other unique amenities.

Though Carnival will likely continue its homeport anditinerary options, Carnival Corporation will be keeping upwith the overseas Joneses through its subsidiaries while alsopenetrating other niche market and employing the aforemen-tioned varying strategies to increase market share and appealto different demographics. Princess Cruises, the third largestcruise line, knows Europe very well as part of its over 300ports of call and will be expanding its presence there, alongwith Alaska, Asia and Australia/New Zealand. It is also oneof the few lines that offer world cruises. Princess is knownfor its innovative features, amenities and programs, such asits Anytime Dining program, alternative eateries, Chef’sTable, ScholarShip@Sea program, Movies Under the Starsand “Bon Voyage Experience.”

Holland America, named by Cruise Critic as “Best forClassic Cruising” because of continuing traditions like after-noon tea, gentlemen hosts for dancing, a chime to announcedinner and special touches like glasses of iced tea or lemon-ade waiting on the decks during hot days or mugs of warm,delicious Dutch pea soup on decks for Alaska cruises, hasconsidered Europe its home for over 135 years and will con-tinue welcoming visitors to its land, and it will also beenhancing its Asian market through five 14-day itinerariesaboard MS Zaandam penetrating the Australian market,where it already has a devoted call center. Holland will alsobe revitalizing its fleet, as seen by the renovations withOosterdam.

Costa Cruises uses its distinct Italian heritage and large fleetto offer some of the best European fare for great rates; it alsohas access to the Far East, Indian Ocean, Dubai/United ArabEmirates, Transatlantic, South America and the Caribbean.Costa will also be expanding and revitalizing; it hasannounced its largest build to date, weighing in at 132,500tons; and Romantica will be in dry dock from October 2011to January 2012 to receive an additional two new half-decksand 120 new cabins and suites with private balconies,increasing capacity from 1,697 to 1,800 and sailing to theCanary Islands when finished.

Cunard Line has the youngest fleet at sea, despite its his-tory and heritage, which is encapsulated on each Cunardship in conjunction with the modern amenities. Cunardoffers world voyages, transatlantic crossings (as is its tra-dition of offering year-round voyages betweenSouthampton and New York), journeys throughout theAmericas and first-class luxury, service, dining and enter-tainment. Its history and tradition can be seen during high


Photo credit: F

ONATUR Operadora Portuaria


tea served by white-gloved stewards or a walk through theheritage trail.

Seabourn prides itself on its niche product of small-shipcruising, and its constant focus on luxury, quality, serviceand value has been recognized by the prestigious title of“World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisureand Conde Nast, along with accolades of “Best for Luxury”by Cruise Critic and numerous others for its luxuriousaccommodations, extraordinary level of service, exceptionaldining and unmatched spa facilities. Seabourn has built onthis success by undergoing a project to increase its capacityby more than 200 percent through the addition of threeships: Odyssey (released June 2009), Sojourn (released June2010) and Quest (released June 2011). Seabourn is alsoembracing the up and coming global markets, as seen bytheir prominence in Australia; they have had enough interestand business in Australia to force them to open a dedicatedcall center in Sydney.

On the other side of the spectrum, AIDA Cruises embraces anactive, completely casual cruise experience. Its club atmo-sphere prevails throughout the German ships; even off-dutycrew can freely mingle with passengers. There is an emphasison wellness and fitness activities during the day on the opendecks, and the night features lively entertainment in the the-atre and often-filled bars and lounges. Sailing through Europe,Middle East, Canary Islands and the Caribbean, this three-ship fleet will be drastically increased with the latestannouncement of two 125,000-ton ships, the largest ever forthe brand.

The P&O Cruises experience caters to the British market andoffers something for everyone, with its contemporary andinnovative product focused on new-to-cruising youngercrowds onboard Azura, Ventura, Arcadia and Oceana, whilethe more traditional cruise experience is offered on Auroraand Artemis. There are even adults-only options in Adoniaand Oriana. There is also P&O Cruises Australia, which

offers an active, mainstream experience with a friendly inter-national crew for a great value.

Carnival Corporation as a whole has stayed true to its philos-ophy of letting its subsidiaries operate on the same success-ful platform that they had established before purchase whilebeing there with assistance. One of these forms of support isthrough new and rebranded ships. As discussed above, thereare plenty of new builds on the way for the brands ofCarnival Corp. Currently, 10 ships are on order through2016—three for 2012, two for 2013, two for 2014, two for2015 and one for 2016. Yet the order book could add a fewpages, as Carnival Corp. has traditionally unveiled two tothree ships per year.

It is easy to understand how the cruise industry as a wholehas been able to continually thrive with so many individual,profitable models. Yet all of these share some of the equalbenefits, such as the movability of the ships that can lead toever-exciting destinations for a great value. Another advan-tage present in the industry is the markets that continue to beuntapped, and this is not just the destinations, but also thedemographics. Yes, there will be more people discoveringcruising abroad, where the perspective has recently strayedfrom the conventional thought that cruising was solely forold people, but there are also many more cruisers to appeal toin the stateside and Caribbean markets. After all, only 3.1%of the American population cruised in 2010. And there willbe another large boom in the market with Baby Boomers,who have a lot of wealth, are living longer and better and areexpected to travel with their time and wealth.

Despite the tumultuous seas ahead, fraught with economicturmoil, rising gas prices and possible ECA regulations, it isclear that this is one industry that can find a way to persevereand continue full steam ahead to a bright future. This isproven by the hardships that the cruise industry has not justsurvived, but thrived during, and is because of the overall andspecific advantages that the lines exhibit.


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When it comes to sustainable travel, we in the cruisebusiness know that it takes a full effort from allstakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability, how-

ever we are also fully cognizant that we need to minimize theenvironmental footprint of our own operations before urgingothers to join us in this pursuit. As such we have been busyimplementing ways to tread as lightly as possible. In wayslarge and small, cruise lines have taken a number of actions notrequired by law to help reduce our environmental footprint. Wehave a large variety of innovative environmental programs inplace that make a difference, from switching to low-energyLED lights and using recycled hot water to heat guest cabins (inAlaska – not the Caribbean!) to using special window tintingthat keeps passageways cooler, requiring less air conditioning.

Industry InitiativesHere are a few ways we have been working hard to make ouroperations more sustainable:

Environmental Stewardship Videos for Guests. Many cruiselines have produced videos for guests to learn about how theycan do their part while aboard. This can include informationon actions, such as turning lights off and participating intowel reuse programs.

Rigorous Recycling Programs. Our industry is wholly com-mitted to reducing the amount of waste produced by guestsaboard ships and at ports of call, as well as the waste gener-ated through the course of operating our ships. Many lineshave comprehensive waste management programs and crewmembers that are specially trained and responsible for sort-ing, processing, storing, recycling and the disposing garbage.These programs can also include special (hazardous) wastes,such as chemicals from photo processing equipment, whichare collected and disposed of with licensed contractorsashore. Other recyclable items include: paper, glass, plastics,aluminum, scrap metal, fluorescent lamps, batteries, tonercartridges and cooking oil, among others.

Energy-Saving LED Light Bulbs. On many lines, halogen andincandescent light bulbs are being replaced with LED andfluorescent lights, which last 25 times longer, use 80 percentless energy, and generate 50 percent less heat.

High-Efficiency Appliances. Many cruise lines are installinghigh-efficiency appliances onboard their ships in order tominimize their impact on the environment. Every type ofappliance onboard the ships is being evaluated for efficiency,including TVs, coffee makers, ovens and dishwashers.

One outstanding example is a new type of icemaker, whichuses 65 percent less water than previous machines. By pro-ducing and pumping less water, more energy is saved. Themachine infuses air into the ice cubes so the drinker gets thesame feel, but there is less water in each cube. By using moreconductive metals where the refrigerant contacts the waterand using more efficient compressors, the process of freezingthe ice is made less energy intensive.

Ecological Hull Coatings. The industry is working with paintmanufacturers to deploy innovative and environmentally safecoatings that increase the smoothness of ship hulls. By creat-ing smoother hulls, we are reducing the amount of energyneeded to travel through water. It is estimated that thesesmoother hull coatings will save as much as 5 percent of fuelusage for propulsion.

Window Tinting. Cruise lines have applied window tintingdesigned for the marine environment, which keeps theships cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning. Thisfeature also protects our interiors and furnishings from sundamage and helps cut back on corresponding aging andsubsequent waste.

Propulsion and Hull Design. The industry has been workingwith engine and propeller manufacturers to develop a newapproach to hull shapes and propulsion systems, which has


By Jamie Sweeting, Vice President, Environmental Stewardship and Global Chief Environmental Officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

The Power of Partnerships - Developing a SustainableCruise Industry in the Caribbean


and improve the quality of life for their people. Governmentsare responsible for enacting policies that protect natural andcultural resources and providing a supportive, enabling envi-ronment, for example, by offering financial or businessincentives to cruise lines and local businesses for responsiblemanagement and operational practices. National parks andother protected areas are key elements in sustainable devel-opment and tourism strategies, and governments can workclosely with park managers to effectively manage increasedtourism from cruise ships and ensure that it contributes to theenvironmental and financial sustainability of protected areas.

Governments can also contribute to the conservation of a des-tination through the provision of sustainable infrastructureresources—such as port facilities, roads, visitor centers,waste and water management and energy services—and byoffering training and capacity building to ensure that servicessuch as transportation, dining, recreation and shopping areprovided in a responsible manner.

Civil SocietyFor civil society, which includes nongovernmental organiza-tions, local communities and indigenous groups, sustainablecruise tourism can mean benefits for their members and supportfor the preservation of their cultures and local environment.

These groups often have unique skills and expertise and canbe an important resource for other stakeholders in reachingthe goals of sustainability, facilitating wider collaborationamong different parties, raising awareness on environmentalor cultural issues, or helping to organize local communities tofully reap the benefits of increased cruise tourism. Civil soci-ety organizations can also provide training and capacity-building support to other stakeholders on good practices, bio-diversity conservation, cultural preservation and locallyappropriate behavior.

Shore Operators Shore operators rely directly on the natural and culturalresources of a destination for their livelihoods. They alsoserve as the liaison between guests and the natural and cul-tural environment of the destination, and thus play a criticalrole in influencing the actions of visitors and educating themon appropriate behavior. Shore operators can join together inassociations to increase the sustainability of their activities orpartner with cruise lines and local communities to developproducts that benefit the environment and local populationsand minimize negative impacts on sensitive or threatenedareas. In all product offerings, including both new and exist-ing tours, shore operators can adopt and implement responsi-ble managerial and operational practices to help ensure theprotection and maintenance of the destination. They can alsocontribute directly to sustainability by donating time,resources or equipment to local conservation or community

resulted in significant energy savings. Bringing together opti-mal hull shape with advanced propeller systems helps tomaximize efficiency.

Destination StewardshipNow that we have made significant progress on our ownproduct, we want to reach out to our partners in the places weoperate to see how we can work together to address sustain-ability issues in cruise destinations. Many of the world’s topcruise destinations are located in unique and threatenedecosystems, particularly in the Caribbean. Growth of thecruise industry over the last two decades has resulted inincreasing stress on environmental and cultural resources incruise ship ports of call. To address these challenges, all thekey stakeholder groups need to work together to maintain,protect and preserve the quality of natural and culturalresources in cruise destinations. From cruise lines and gov-ernments to civil society organizations and shore operators,we all have a stake in ensuring a healthy future for each des-tination and for cruise tourism throughout the Caribbean.

Cruise LinesFor the cruise industry, supporting a sustainable future fordestinations is part of maintaining the resource base on whichour business is built. Providing the best possible experiencefor guests includes ensuring their health, safety and enjoy-ment at all times, including while they are on shore, while atthe same time safeguarding the natural and cultural assets ofthe destinations they are visiting. We work closely with otherstakeholders to minimize the negative impacts and maximizethe benefits of our presence in a port, and we are committedto working in partnership with local governments and stake-holders in this regard. Onboard, cruise lines raise awarenessamong guests and crew about environmental and culturalissues and ways to support conservation through their actionsand behavior. Cruise companies also contribute directly tosustainability in destinations by investing in local conserva-tion and community development projects.

In November 2009, Royal Caribbean Cruises hosted aDestination Stewardship Think Tank onboard Oasis of theSeas, co-convened by Sustainable Travel International andattended by more than 20 leaders from the private sector ofthe travel and tourism industry, academia and nongovern-mental organizations. The think tank led to the establishmentof the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s DestinationStewardship Working Group, which is tasked with facilitat-ing the development of global baseline sustainable tourismcriteria and indicators for destinations.

GovernmentsFor governments, maintaining the health and attractivenessof their ports as cruise destinations and providing high qual-ity and sustainable attractions and services can raise revenues



development efforts and by offering their clients opportuni-ties to contribute directly to these efforts during their tours.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has been working on developing andimplementing criteria and indicators for sustainable shoreexcursions so that the activities of our guests while in ports ofcall do not adversely affect the ecosystems or communities inour many destinations. Integrating environmental, culturaland socioeconomic criteria in selection and contracting pro-cedures with shore excursion providers will enable us torespond to a growing demand by our guests for environmen-tally and socially responsible products and services. Supplierswill be offered incentives for engaging in good practices andachieving high levels of certification, and implementation ofthe criteria will be verified by independent third parties.

In partnership with Sustainable Travel International (STI),we are building on our work in rolling out and testing theCriteria and Indicators for Sustainable Marine-based Toursdeveloped by the Ocean Conservation and Tourism Alliance,a collaboration between the Cruise Lines InternationalAssociation and Conservation International. These criteriaare designed to assist cruise lines in identifying whethershore excursion providers are meeting operating standardsfor marine tours that provide quality and value while sup-porting local communities and conserving the environment.The criteria form the basis for the STEP-Shore ExcursionsStandard, which STI developed with Royal CaribbeanCruises as part of its Sustainable Tourism Eco-CertificationProgram (STEP). STI has created a Sustainability Planningand Reporting Kit and training program for shore operatorsto help them meet this standard.

ConclusionWe in the cruise industry know how important it is to safe-guard the natural and cultural assets on which our industryhas been built. In order to maintain a sustainable industry, itwill be essential to build on existing partnerships and collab-orations to ensure that the industry continues to grow andbring significant benefits to both the hosts that welcomecruise tourists and the guests who are lucky enough to enjoyeverything the Caribbean has to offer.

About the author – Jamie Sweeting is currently the VicePresident for Environmental Stewardship and Global ChiefEnvironmental Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.Previously he was Senior Director, Travel and Leisure atConservation International’s Center for EnvironmentalLeadership in Business.

This article presents information from www.cruiseindustyfacts.comand the Conservation International publication From Ship toShore available at: www.conservation.org/Documents/CI_ecotourism_from_ship_to_shore_eng.pdf



ensures the mobility of people and goods and enhancesand/or preserves economic prosperity and the quality of lifefor Aruba.

If all goes as planned, the project will be implemented as aPublic Private Partnership (PPP) under the Landlord Model,where APA N.V. will be responsible for investments in andmaintenance of basic quay-infrastructure, dredging of thenavigation channels, marine services, land leasing and portadministration, and the concessionaire will be responsiblefor the investments in terminal infrastructure, labor andoperational activities.

Once the cargo port moves to Barcadera, Aruba’s cruiseport in Oranjestad will finally be able to undergo the neces-sary developments to accommodate more cruise lines andcruise visitors. This would go hand in hand with the current


Aruba rang in 2010 with a record-breaking 606,970cruise visitors and the news that Carnival CruiseLines’ Miracle would be making year-round calls to

Aruba starting October 2010. The island also had a historicrecord-breaking month in March 2011 when they surpassedthe 100,000 visitors in one month mark and a 32% increasein cruise arrivals from January until May. The port wel-comed a total of 203 calls, compared to 183 calls for thesame period in 2010. A total 368,860 cruise visitors havearrived in Aruba until May of this year; this is a total of38,795 more people during the same time last year.

The port is also working on a tender process, which includesa $62 million dollar project to design, build, finance, main-tain, operate, and transfer the multi-cargo sea terminal atBarcadera, which ultimately aims to provide a safe, efficient,accessible, and inter-modal transportation system that

‘Tis the Best of Times for Aruba’s Cruise Industry


Government’s “Bo Aruba” (Your Aruba) project, a megaurban and neighborhood renewal project. The ambitiousplan consists of, among other initiatives, the renovation ofOranjestad and its surrounding neighborhoods, the con-struction of a centralized plaza in the downtown area, andthe conversion of the current container port into a recre-ational area where beach goers can enjoy and relax in auser-friendly environment.

More than just a facelift, the plans will include the develop-ment of the cruise port in such a way that it will integrateinto the existing commercial infrastructure and improvementplans for picturesque Oranjestad. When developed, thecruise port will allow visitors, as well as merchants, to ben-efit even more from each other.

In light of these million-dollar developments scheduled forthe coming years, the Aruba Ports Authority N.V. has estab-lished a Marketing and Communications department thatwill give the company in general and its cruise interests inparticular, the needed marketing and PR support, strength-ening the company’s ties with local industry partners, cruise-lines, cruise executives, and ports in the region.

According to Mr. Alfonso Boekhoudt, Managing Director ofthe Aruba Ports Authority, “This increase highlights the factthat we are heading in the right direction and that we shouldcontinue to move forward with our vision to further develop

our industry and our facilities in a sustainable way. We haveto make sure that our cruise port remains as one of the mayorfocus points of the economic development of our capital.The cruise industry is a mayor contributor to our labor force,particularly in Oranjestad. Our aim is to maintain andincrease this contribution while we promote and improve thequantity and quality of our tourism”. For more informationplease visit us at www.arubaports.com.

About ArubaAruba is one happy island and truly an extraordinary expe-rience. Located only two and a half hours by air fromMiami and four hours from New York City, the island is ide-ally situated in the southern Caribbean and boasts year-round cooling trade winds and perfect weather with averageannual temperatures of 82° Fahrenheit and less than 20 inch-es of rainfall per year. Aruba serves up 28 luxurioushotels/resorts, championship golf courses, sumptuous spas,vibrant casinos, extraordinary international and local cui-sine, exclusive shops and boutiques, exciting land and wateractivities, art galleries and museums, world-famous festivalsand events, clubs and cafes with live music and world-classbeaches. The backdrop of a cosmopolitan tropical destina-tion with warm, hospitable people is the perfect place forfirst-time guests and loyal visitors. For more information,please call 1-800-TO-ARUBA; visit us online atwww.arubaport.com or www.aruba.com; or find us onFacebook.



Tucked cozily betweenGuatemala and Mexico, Belizeis an English-speaking country

that offers thrilling adventures, authen-tic cultural and culinary experiences,and unparalleled land and water excur-sions. Belize’s welcoming spirit ismatched only by its stunning naturalwonders, including the second-largestbarrier reef in the world, famed divingsites, ancient Maya ruins, picturesquecayes, lush jungles, and the most exten-sive cave system in Central America.

As the Caribbean gateway to CentralAmerica, Belize is where travelers canmake lasting memories both underwa-ter (with snorkeling, diving and deepsea fishing excursions) and on land

(enjoying zip-lining, cave tubing andjaguar-spotting trips). So no matteryour preference, Belize offers endlessoptions for day-trips that will leave youcraving a weeklong Belizean escape.Below is a sampling of what Belize hasto offer, but a full listing of sites, toursand vacation offerings is located ontravelbelize.org.

Discover Mayan Culture According to the Maya’s Long CountCalendar, a new worldly era will beginon December 21, 2012. Serving as theepicenter of Maya culture during theClassic Period, Belize has been able toretain its vibrant Mayan culturethroughout time, and today the countryis home to several world-famous

Mayan sites and temples. So it’s nosurprise that the entire country ispreparing for a yearlong celebration inhonor of the world’s rebirth.

Tourists have already begun travelingto “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret”to explore ancient temples and present-day Mayan communities. Among themost notable attractions, Altun Ha is ahistoric Mayan site located an hournorth of Belize City that served as amajor ceremonial site and a vital trad-ing center that linked the Caribbeanshore with other Mayan centers in theregion. Jade signified life to the Maya,and it was here that the largest carvedjade object in the entire Maya Worldwas found - a jade head.


Belize, Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret: A Capital of Adventure and the Caribbean Gateway to Central America and Mayan Culture


Belize’s tallest man-made structure, a140-foot pyramid, dazzles the CayoDistrict and Belizean skyline atCaracol, which is the largest archeolog-ical site in Belize and one of the largestin the Mayan world. Also located in thelush and scenic Cayo District isXunantunich, the most famous Mayansite in Belize, where visitors peerdeeply into wondrous panoramic viewsof both the Cayo District andGuatemala. These are merely highlightsof a few notable Mayan sites; visit trav-elbelize.org for a complete listing.

Water AdventuresAttracting snorkeling, diving, andscuba-diving enthusiasts from aroundthe world, Belize is home to the largestbarrier reef in the western hemisphere -and the second largest in the world!

A bursting kaleidoscope of color sur-rounds 70 types of hard corals, nearly500 species of fish, the world-famousBlue Hole, playful dolphins, incrediblewhale sharks, gentle sea turtles and ele-gant eagle rays.

Beginners and pros alike will enjoy thevast array of underwater adventures, asdive sites begin at just 45 feet and dropto 90 feet or more, containing deepcoral canyons in addition to the fasci-nating “drop off.”

Plus, with a diverse selection of flats,offshore and river fishing, Belize is afisher’s paradise. Off the coast ofmainland central Belize, Turneffe Atollis a great place for beginners and alsothe best place to land a “grand slam,”which in salt water fly fishing refers tocatching a tarpon, a permit and a bone-fish in the same day. River fishing isalso popular, and in central Belize, fish-ing is available at Black Creek, BelizeRiver, Sibun River, Manatee River andthe waters around Belize City. Anglersin Belize City can haul in tarpons any-where from 90-150 pounds.

Savor the Flavors of Belize

One of the fun parts of traveling is sam-pling unique food. And in Belize,tourists can take their taste buds onjourneys across the world without leav-ing this one country. As Belize is hometo more than 10 diverse cultures,including Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna,East Indian, Maya and more. ThisCentral American country is a treasuryof tastes, traditions and specialties.

So whether you’re looking to tryunique, local dishes or a popular dish(perhaps, tacos or tamales) that’s pre-pared in a traditional fashion, Belizecaters to a range of palettes.Navigating the culinary world of a newcountry can be difficult, so the BelizeTourism Board created a new website

dedicated to sharing all informationrelated to Belizean cuisine. Fromrestaurant listings to interactive maps tofood reviews, travelers can visitSavorBelize.com for a comprehensiveculinary resource.

Cave Tubing, Zip Lining andJaguar-Spotting … Oh My!Belize’s tropical climate and pristinenatural environment create a dreamlikecombination for exciting outdooradventures and exotic sightseeing.

A lively hotbed of wildlife, Belize is aprime destination for catching raresights of howler monkeys, pumas,tapirs, armadillos and more than 600bird species. In fact, the Cockscomb



Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located justsouth of the Belize District nearDangriga, is one of the most popularsites for travelers. Among the outingshere, visitors often hunt for jaguar pawprints and keep their eyes peeled for therare chance of spotting a jaguar, as theCockscomb River Basin is the first andonly jaguar reserve in the world!

Daring tourists can participate in cave-tubing trips throughout the country andglide down rivers and through lime-stone caves; popular locales include theCaves Branch River and Crystal Cavein the Belize District and Barton CreekCave in the Cayo District. Bold adven-turers can also take a day trip to zip-lineabove Belize’s breathtaking flora andfauna. This electrifying activityinvolves traversing from tree platformto tree platform on a steel cable throughthe rainforest jungle canopy. Thoughdaring, zip-lining is equipped withmany safety features and is great forchildren of all ages. A listing of certi-fied tour operators can be found online



Be one with awestruck. Be one with lush rainforests. Be one with this Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef. As one of the last unspoiled places on earth, you’ll feel an intimate connection to authentic experiences in Belize. All this just a two-hour flight from the U.S., in the only English-speaking country of Central America. Call 800-624-0686 or visit TravelBelize.org/fcca. And just be, in Belize.

M O T H E R NA T U R E’SB E S T K E P T S E C R E T


Recognised as the top travel desti-nation in the Caribbean byTripAdvisor’s informed trav-

ellers, the Cayman Islands promises asuperlative Caribbean escape like noother. World renowned for its beautifulbeaches, stunning underwater scenery,amazing attractions, and distinctivecharm, the Cayman Islands offers allthe ingredients for the perfect beachvacation. While Cayman’s white sandbeaches tempt visitors to unwind, theCayman Islands’ turquoise sea invitesguests to dive and snorkel in clearCaribbean waters, swim with stingraysand dolphins, kite board and parasailalong Grand Cayman’s breezy coast,and paddle board and kayak throughcalm and rolling waves. For the avidwater enthusiast, the Cayman Islands’waters are second to none.

Deemed the birthplace of scuba diving,the meticulously preserved naturalwonders of the Cayman Islands evoke asense of awe in leisure explorers, aswell as active adventurers. Strict envi-ronmental regulations have maintaineda pristine playground for diving,snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking, while

bringing guests in contact with extraor-dinary wildlife. In fact, through the des-tination’s committed Dive 365 pro-gram, the Cayman Islands seeks to pre-serve its spectacular natural marine lifeby developing scuba and snorkel sitesfor every day of the year.

Cayman’s newest diving and snorkel-ing site, the ex-USS Kittiwake, wassunk off the coast of Seven Mile Beachin January 2011 after seven years inplanning. Kittiwake attracts divers fromaround the world to explore the formersubmarine rescue ship inside and outand discover the critters that now callthe wreck home. Other dive highlightsinclude Big Tunnels, Tarpon Alley, BigPinnacle, and Mermaid Point. For thoselooking to learn how to dive, any num-ber of resorts along the scenic SevenMile Beach offers introductory scubacourses.

Whether diving to the depths or snorke-ling the surface, the Cayman Islandspromises once-in-a-lifetime encounterswith its vibrant marine life, from swim-

ming with stingrays at Stingray Cityand cruising with dolphins at DolphinCove and Dolphin Discovery to learn-ing about turtles at the Cayman TurtleFarm. Stingray City, Cayman’s premierattraction, invites adventurers to joinstingrays in their natural habitat andenjoy up-close interactions with theseunique animals. At Dolphin Cove andDolphin Discovery, guests will befriendAtlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and enjoyexciting rides and affectionate kisses.Visitors will see the rare Sea Turtle inevery stage of growth at the CaymanTurtle Farm before snorkeling with theturtles and discovering Nurse Sharksand Barracudas in the Predator Tank.

Visitors can also discover the CaymanIslands’ picturesque coast by horsebackwith Pampered Ponies. Guests willwander through the woods to reach asecluded stretch of white sand beach,from where the horses will delve intothe clear, sparkling waters for a triparound the edge of the island.

With the Cayman Islands’ beautiful


The Cayman Islands’ Underwater Playground



breezy weather, kite boarding, parasail-ing, and windsurfing are favorite pas-times. Guests can glide through thewater, kite in hand, accompanied by oneof the Cayman Islands’ expert instruc-tors or parasail more than 400 feet aboveGrand Cayman for an adrenaline rushand stunning panoramic views.Adventurers can speed across theturquoise sea by jet ski on their own oraccompanied by a knowledgeable guide.The avid surfer will love the Black PearlSkate & Surf, where they can practicetheir skills on 11-foot waves.

For the less courageous, visitors cancross the island to peaceful Rum Pointfor paddle boarding and kayakingadventures through the mangroves. Intheir excursions, explorers are likely tospot sunbathing iguanas, sleepystarfish, mini sea anemones, and fasci-nating upside-down jellyfish amidst thecaptivating landscape.

In the Cayman Islands, fishing is fre-quently recognised as the unofficial“national sport.” Prized game fish, suchas Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo andMahi-Mahi can be caught year-round.Thrilling catches take place as close asa quarter-mile offshore, and guests caneven have their catches cooked up toorder on their return to shore.

For those who prefer to stay dry, theCayman Islands also offer an opportu-nity to introduce visitors to its pristinewaters and marine life with AtlantisSubmarines. These unique vesselsexplore the depth of Cayman’s waters,from the teeming shallow reefs andshipwrecks of George Town harbor to

the coral canyons at 100 feet. The glassbottom boats offer another great way toexplore the Cayman Islands’ extensiveand colorful marine life without mak-ing a splash.

With sandy white beaches, swaying

palm trees that beckon visitors to relax,and an average year-round temperatureof 82°F, the Cayman Islands is an irre-sistible stop on your Caribbean cruiseescape. To learn more and book yourCayman Islands trip, visit www.cay-mankind.com.


Caymankind_FCCA

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Recognised as the #1 Travel Destination in the Caribbean & Mexico by TripAdvisor travellers.

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VISIT WWW.CAYMANKIND.COM

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The FCCA is proud to announcethat Curaçao will be the site for the19th annual FCCA Conference

and Trade Show. Positioned in the deepsouth of the Caribbean, just 35 milesnortheast of the Venezuelan coast, liesCuraçao, which is renowned for its his-toric town of Willemstad, listed as aUnesco heritage site and a stunningexample of a Dutch architecture and his-tory, the Queen Emma swinging pontoonbridge and its diverse assortment of cul-tures that can be seen in the language andgastronomy. It has always been a beloveddestination for its friendliness, Europeancharm, Latin warmth and African her-itage. But its history tells the tale of whyCuraçao is so suitable for the FCCAConference and Trade Show, as Curaçaohas always focused on and been builtaround its port and the ships it broughtwhile being adaptable enough to alwaysship with the times, needs and industries.

Curaçao was originally inhabited byArawaks; discovered by the Spanish; andconquered by the Dutch over many cen-turies while Curaçao thrived on com-merce. It was a place where goods andslaves were traded, and contraband ruled.Willemstad emerged around its boomingmain harbor, where it still sits today asthe backdrop of St. Anne Bay, the canalthat connects the port to the CaribbeanSea and leads to the spectacular harborentrance that has awed many cruise pas-sengers and become one of Curaçao’sclaims to fame as a cruise destination. Itwas here that a melting pot of culturesbegan to brew as seafarers from everycorner of the globe, independent of race,color and/or religion lived together underthe liberal laws of the Dutch.

As times changed, Curaçao always found away to reposition itself in the market. Whenthe trade stagnated during the Americanwars of independence, Willemstad was

declared a free port. By 1900, Willemstadwas a lively commercial center with thor-oughly modern facilities and a flourishingshipbuilding industry. It chugged along thetransformation from sail to steam and woodto steel with a coal supply, water bunkering,packet services and connection linesbetween Europe and New York.

After the opening of the Panama Canal in1914, the Royal Dutch Shell established anoil refinery on the island, which suppliedthe Allies with Navy fuel during WorldWar II. In fact, combined with the refineryon Aruba, Curaçao provided over 70% ofall the fuel used to win this war andbecame the world’s seventh busiest harbor.

In 1981, the local government merged theharbor administration into one identity –the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA); thisled to an efficient and reliable commer-cial administration of the harbors of theisland to create the necessary conditionsto further develop and promote sufficienteconomic activity for the island.

Curaçao’s history in tourism is just asextensive. The first-ever passenger cruiseship—the s/s Prinzessin Victoria Luise ofthe Hamburg-America Line—called inWillemstad in 1901 during its voyage fromNew York. With the attractive prices andchoice of products, Curaçao developedinto a popular destination for cruise ships,with large ships anchoring in Caracasbayand smaller ships mooring inside the port.

In 1976, the cruise market to theCaribbean dropped dramatically due tohigh fuel prices that made sailing to theCaribbean too expensive from ports likeNew York. Curaçao first showed its

resilience in tourism by being able to relyon air traffic. Then in 1982, it once againshowcased the adaptability and awarenessthat has run its course through history byopening a cruise terminal inside the portand once again triggering its cruise mar-ket by offering a unique product thatcruisers still rave about today as theyenter St. Anne Bay. The resurgence ofdemand led to the construction of its cur-rent Megapier, which can accommodatelarger cruise ships just outside the harbor.

By continuing its preeminence as a cruisedestination, Curacao fostered furtherdemand and enough calls and passengersto lead the government to appoint a siteadjacent to the existing Megapier to con-struct a second Megapier that can accom-modate the largest cruise ships, such asRoyal Caribbean’s Oasis class andNorwegian Cruise Line’s Epic.

Curaçao’s rich history is more than just astory; it is evidence of a destination thatis able to adapt for the times and con-sumers’ demands. This alone wouldexplain why it has so easily thrivedthroughout the years.

However, it also knows how to play to itsstrengths and has quite a few muscles toflex. Its port led the way through its for-mation and development and continues toplay a major role, as in 2012 over500,000 passengers will experience thebreathtaking harbor entrance, authenticDutch culture, unique history and diverseculture and gastronomy. Come see howand why Curaçao has become a promi-nent cruise destination during the 19thannual FCCA Conference and TradeShow October 1-5, 2012.

Curaçao to Host 19th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show



Administracion Portuaria Integral deProgreso, S.A. de C.V.Fernando Pereira Flick

Antigua Pier Group Ltd.Conrad Pole

Aon Risk Services Wirth Monroe

Appleton Estate Rum ToursTanisa Samuel

Aruba Ports AuthorityJ.A. (Alfonso) Boekhoudt

Aruba Tourism Authority Gloria Vega

Atlantis-Kerzner International Bahamas, Ltd.Henry Bain

Authority of Tourism PanamaSalomon Shama

Bacardi Global Travel Retail Zachary Sulkes

Belize Tourism Board (BTB)Seleni Matus

Bermello-Ajamil & Partners, Inc.Mark Ittel

Blue Planet ToursAlessandro Mencos

Bridgetown Cruise Terminals, Inc.Geoffery Roach

Business Research & Economic Advisors(BREA)Andrew Moody

Canaveral Port AuthorityRobert Giangrisostomi

Caribbean Cruise Shipping & Tours Ltd.Lee Bailey

Cartagena de Indias Cruise ShipTerminal (Sociedad Portuaria deCartagena)Giovanni Benedetti

Cayman Islands Department of TourismSharon Banfield

CH2M Hill Ltd.David Mock

Chancla Tours dba Tropical Tours -MexicoSunny Irvine

Chukka Caribbean AdventuresPaola Byles

Colombian Government Trade Bureau -ProexportCamilo Duque

Connecting Wave N.V.Etienne R. Meyers

Continental ShippingJose Busto

Coordinacion de Servicios MaritimosArturo Musi

Corporacion de Costas Tropicales -Colon 2000Augusto Terracina

Cox & Company LimitedMatthew Beaubrun

Crucergua, S.A. (Maya World CruiseTerminal)Luis Garcia

Cruise & Port Advisors, Inc.Roger Blum

Cruise Ship Excursions John/Judy Reeve

Curaçao Ports AuthorityHumberto de Castroy

Discover MexicoMarcos Martinez

Dolphin Cove LimitedMarilyn Burrowes

Dolphinares/Tagepa S.A. de C.V.Annika Bratt

Dominica Air and Sea Ports AuthorityBenoit Bardouille

Empresas Turisticas Nacionales S.A. deC.V. dba Playa Mia Beach ParkJose Luis Cervantes

Ensenada Cruiseport Village SA de CVJavier Rodriguez

Explora Tours Sergio Briceno

FMT Canada, Inc. - FMT SeaportTechnologyAnders Frick

Fonatur Operadora Portuaria, S.A deC.V.Luis Alfonso Lugo Platt

Fort Street Tourism Village Ltd. James Nisbet

Foster and Ince Cruise ServicesMartin Ince

Freeport Harbour Company (Bahamas)Charmaine Hall

Fury CatamaranPeter Norquoy

G.T.C.M Groupement du Tourisme deCroisiere de la MartiniqueOlivier de Reynal

GLF Construction Corporation Fraucesco Seris

Goddards Shipping & Tours Ltd.Rovel Morris

Guadeloupe Islands Tourist BoardJosette Borel-Lincertin

Guatemala Tourism BoardMarlenne Quezada

H.H.V. Whitchurch & Co. Ltd.Gerry Aird

Honduras Institute of TourismMario Aguirre


Bring It On! We Can Handle It.

For information contact Ricky W. Kunz, Vice President Origination

713-670-2400 | www.portofhouston.com


Huggins Tours Inc.Laurence Duncan

Jacksonville Port AuthorityAnthony Orsini

Kapitol ReefKevin Watt

MAC Maritime, Ltd.Mike McFadden

Martinique Tourism Authority (ComiteMartiniquais Du Tourisme)Karine Roy-Camille

MERA Corp. MV Cozumel S.A. de C.V.Rafael Aguirre

Mexico Tourism BoardJose Barquin

Ministry of Tourism of the DominicanRepublicOrfila Salazar

Mississippi State Port Authority atGulfportDon Allee

Mobile Alabama Cruise TerminalSheila Gurganus

Mobile Bay Convention & VisitorsBureauDavid Randel

Nicaragua Tourism Institute Catalina Gordon

Operadora AviomarOctavio Molina

Panama Canal Railway CompanyThomas Kenna

Panoff Publishing, Inc. (PortholeMagazine)Bill Panoff

Park West Gallery Albert Molina

Port EvergladesCarlos Buqueras

Port of GalvestonSteven Cernak

Port of Houston AuthorityTom Heidt

Port of Los AngelesChristopher Chase

Port of Miami-DadeBill Johnson

Port of New OrleansRobert Jumonville

Port of San Diego Rita A. Vandergaw

Promociones Turisticas Mahahual -Puerto Costa MayaMarco Cesar Navarro Lopez

Puerto de GuaymasJose Luis Castro Ibarra

Puerto Rico Tourism CompanyMario Gonzalez Lafuente

RAK Porcelain Claude Peiffer

S.E.L. Maduro & Sons (St. Maarten) Inc.Raquel Coupland Wathey

Sand Dollar SportsJohn Flynn

Sociedad Portuaria Regional de SantaMarta S.A.Mauricio Suarez

St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports AuthorityTerrence Crossman

St. Lucia Air & Sea Ports AuthoritySean Matthew

St. Lucia Tourist BoardNerdin St. Rose

St. Maarten Harbor Cruise Facilities, N.V.Mark Mingo

St. Maarten Sightseeing ToursSamir Andrawos

St. Thomas Skyride/Tramcon Inc.Jessica Dinisio

St. Vincent and the Grenadines PortAuthority Bishen John

Suburban TransportationTeresa Ondrejcak

SXM Tender Services N.V. (Bobby’sMarina)Bobby Velasquez

Tampa Port AuthorityGreg Lovelace

The Original Canopy Tour - OCTEnterprises Ltd.Rick Graham

The West Indian Company Ltd.Edward Thomas

Trinidad & Tobago TourismDevelopment Company, Ltd.Greer Assam/Hayden Strker

Trinidad & Tobago Sightseeing ToursCharles Carvalho (Snr.)

Trinity Air Ambulance InternationalInger Lisa Sknoder

Tropical ShippingMark Lopez

UBM International MediaMichael Kazakoff

USVI Tourism Department Beverly N. Nicholson

Vallarta Shore ExcursionsCarlos Gerard

Virgin Excursions LLPTony Murray

Virgin Islands Port AuthorityKenn Hobson



Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal Carnival’s 2007 Cruise port of the year

The two story 66,000 square foot terminal has six covered pickup/drop o lanes and a pedestrian circula on tower with 4 elevators, escalator, and stairwell. Our dedicated team is well trained in making sure every passenger’s needs are taken care of professionally with a touch of southern hospitality.

For more on home-porting your ship here & to learn about our generous incentives package please call (251)338-7447 or contact General Mgr. Sheila Gurganus at [email protected].

On October 22, 2011 the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal will say goodbye to a wonderful 7 year partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines. In 2010, the Carnival Fantasy and the Ela on averaged 2400 passengers from a wide range of states.

State of the art gangway which can accommodate most ships Newly upgraded crew room/store with phones and wireless internet access A ached parking garage with 525 spaces

Addi onal 350 overflow parking spaces located 3 minutes from Terminal (shu le provided)

Op mally located near both I 65 and I 10 for the convenience of our large and varied drive market

3 airports within a one hour drive


4Worlds Expeditions

AAA Taxi & Tour Services

Accessible Tours in Paradise LLC

Accessible Ventures

Acuario Tours

Adrenaline Tours Curacao

Agencia Acoreana De Viagens

Agencia de Viagens Blandy

Agencia de Viajes King David

Agencia Naviera Del Caribe

AJU Incentive Tours

Alaska Mountain Guides

Alexander, Parrish (Antigua)

Algosaibi Travel

Auxiliar Comercialización, API Vallarta

America's Cup 12 Metre

Amerimed Hospitals

Amin Kawar & Sons Travel

Amphitrion Holidays Ltd

Anthony's Key Resort

Antigua Destination Planners

Antours Dominica Limited

API de Dos Bocas

API Puerto of Chiapas

API Puerto Vallarta

Applicon Tours

Aqua Adventures Tours

Aqua Clean Ships Caribe

Ardastria Gardens

Aquila Tours

Arctur Travel Ltd

Aruba Aloe Balm

Aruba Adventures

Asuaire Travel

Atlantis Submarines (Barbados)

Atlas Travel Agency

Avia Caribbean/Aviatur

Bahamas Experience Tours

Bahamas Segway Tours

Bahia Cruise Services

Baja Aquatics LLC.

Baja Bandidos S.A. de C.V.

Bajamara Mexico

Baleares Consignatarios (BC Tours)

Banana Coast

Barbados Port Authority

Barbados Tourism Authority

Barefoot Holidays St. Lucia

Beijing Biz Travel

Belize Horse & Carriage

Belize Paradise Ltd.

Belize Sealand Tours

Bermuda On Site Limited

Bermuda Ship Agencies

Best of Grenada Limited

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours

Bonaire Crystal Tours & Services

Bonaire Destination Services

Bonaire Tours & Vacations

Braco Tours Ltd.

BVI Port Authority

C Fernie & Co., S.A.

Cabo Expeditions

Cabo Rey dba Cabo Nave SA de CV

Calico Sailing & Undersea Tours

Cama Shipping/Cie Maritime antillaise

Cambiaso & Risso

Captain Mike's, Ltd

Caribbean Helicopters

Caribbean Segway Tours

Caribbean Tours Int'l

Caribe Nautical Services

Caribe Sky Canopy Tours

Casa De Campo International

Cayman Island Tourism Assoc.

Cayman Islands Chamber of Comm

Cayman Sea Adventures

Cayman Style Ocean Adventures

Cayman Turutle Farm: Island WildlifeEncounters

CEO Mexico DMC




Ceres Terminals, Inc

Charlot Car Rental

Chickmont Foods Ltd.

CityView Trolleys Tours of Key West

Cockburn Village & Farm, Ltd dba ConchWorld

Colombia 57 Tours & Logisitive

Coral Island Tours

Coral Stone Stables

Corea & Co 1988

Coral World Ocean Park

Cozumel, Quintana Roo Parks & MuseumsFoundation

Cozumel Eco Adventure

Croydon In The Mountains

Crucero Tours

Cruise Business Review

Cruise Gallery Inc.

Cruise Plus Services

Cruise Ship Notes

Cruise Solutions Belize

Cruiseport Boston MA Port Auth

Cruises News Media Group

CS Adventures

CTG Margarita C.A.

CTS Turismo

Curacao Dolphin Academy

Curacao Sea Aquarium

De Palm Tours

Delisle Walwyn - Kantours

Denrus (St. Petersburg)

Destefano, Speciale & Co

Destination Antigua(2000)

Destination Management Chile

DiCarlo, Inc. dba Four Track Advent

Discover Dominica Authority

Discovery Communications Inc.

Dive Dominica

Dive Fair Helen

Down Under Sea Excursions

Dragonfly Adventures DMC

Dutch Tours Enterprises

E-L-S GMBH

EcoQuest Adventures & Tours

E. Duran Shipping P&I Services

Eko Park Los Cabos DBA Wild Canyon

Eleuthera Adventure Tours

Elden Tours

Elite Travel Ltd.

Elroy's Pleasure Tours

Enchanted Island Eco Tours

Esperanza del Mar

Executive Tours

Exotic Borneo Sdn. Bhd.

Expressway Traveling

Facilitators Unlimited Inc.

Fantasea Bermuda

Fantastic Tours

Fantastic Tours International

Five Star Watersport

Fortune Entertainment & Adventure

Funa International, Inc.

Funbini B.V.

Fun Sun Inc.

Furlong Incoming

Future Vision Invest Co

G.P. Wild International LTD

Gianco, Mexico TravelscapeS.A. de C.V.

Glamour Transport & Tours

Go With Gus

Golden Foundation Tours

Gorbis Travel LLC

Grand Bahama Taxi

Gray Line - Costa Rica

Gray Line - Nicaragua

Gray Line Los Cabos

Great Vacations

Grenada Discovery Train

Grenada Ports Authority

Guatemala Cruise Council

Gumbs Taxi & Tours


visitguatemala.com

Yaxhá



H'Evans Scent Ltd

Halcrow, Inc

Hamilton, Miller & l

Happy Fish Travel

Harbor Bunkering Corporation

Harbour Street Craft & Cultural

Heavenly Tours Ltd.

Hectours

Hibiscus Eco-Tours

Holiday Services

Hooves Ltd.

Humberto Alvarez Sucs

Ibercruises-Agencia de Viagens

Iberoservice Incoming Services

Iceland Travel

Inflot Worldwide, Inc

Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services

InterMed Travel

International Design & Etmt.

International Longshoremen's

International Shipping Partners

Inversiones Maloka C.A.

Island Guardians

Island Meetings & Incentive

Island Safari Barbados

Island Shipping & Trading

IWW Island Networks

Jades, S.A. - Antigua Guatemala

Jamaica Tourist Board

Jamaica Yacht Cruises

JCAL Tours Ltd

Jimmy Buffett's

Jolly Roger Cruises & Tours S.A.

Jones Travel Ltd.

Jungle Land Explorers

Jungle Trekking Adventures

JUTA Falmouth

JUTA Montego Bay

JUTA Negril

Karavan Turizm Seyahat

Kawa Kawa SA dba Grupo Mawamba

Kayak Nature Tours

Kelly's Tours C/O Tunick & Co

Kelly's Watersports

Kim' Arrin Cruise Services

Kman Native Tours

Komex ToKomex Tours

Kotormar Ltd

KPMG

La Mar Excursions, Inc

Larf, Inc

Landry & Kling

Leeward Islands Charters

Leisure Travel & Tours Ltd.

Mahinatur

Mahogany Run Golg Course

Mangrove Ventures dba

Mar-Lab NV dba Banana Bus

Maritima Dominicana

Mayaguez-Las Marias

Mayaland Tours

MB Tours

MC Tours Honduras

Mediterranean Shipping Uruguay

Metropolitan Stevedore Company

Meyer Agencies Ltd.

Miami Seaplane Tours, Inc.

Micato - South Africa

Micronesian Cruise Association

Mifsud Brothers Ltd

Misener Marine Constr

Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce andIndustry

Mount Gay Rum Tour

MyExcursion.Com

Nasco Tours S.A.E.

Native Son, Inc.

Native Way Watersports

Nautilus Cayman Ltd

Navigator Travel & Tourist

Nestle Waters North America


Nevis Tourism Authority

Novotur Viajes

Oasis Divers & Water

Ocean Adventures

Ocean Energy

Oceans TV, Inc

Ocho Rios Craft & Curio Vender

Off The Wall Divers

Old Fort Craft Mkt

Old Town Trolley

Olive Branch Tours

On Deck Ocean Racing

Onboard Media

Operadora De Viajes

Operadora Punta Venado

Operadora Turistica Bahias Plus

Orange Valley Holdings Ltd.

Our Planet

Page & Jones, Inc.

Palaceda Tours

Palm Services Ltd.

Panama Excursions

PanPacific Manning Inc.

Paradise Tours

Paradise Tours - Vegas

Paradise Tourism VIP Services & Bus ToursPBS&J

Pelican Adventures

Pier B Development

Pirate Ship Cruises of Cabo/MaritimeEnterprises SA de CV

Platinum Port Agency

Port Authority of the Cayman

Port Authority of Trinidad & Tobago

Port of Palm Beach

Premier Destination Services

Prestige Leasing & Tours

Pronatours (Nuempresas)

PT. Bali Prestige Tours

Rancho Buena Vista

Rancho Tierra Bonita

Rapsody Tours, Cruises

RC Travel

Reef Tours Ltd

Regale International Travel

Resort Adventure Centers

Resort Sports

Rhodes Hall Plantation Ltd

Rios Tropicales

Roatan Island Tours

Roger Albert Voyages

Romney Associates

Rozo & Co.

Rumbo Sur

S.E.L. Maduro & Sons Aruba

S.E.L. Maduro & Sons (Curacao)

Saint John Port Authority

San Juan Happy Tours

San Souci Ports SA

SCAN S.A.

Sea Blaster Tours

Sea Bridge International

Sea Song Tours

Seahorse Sailing Adventures

Secretoria de Tourismo Y Relaciones

SEICO

Shasta Foodservice

Skylimit Travel Services

SMS Travel & Toursim

Snorkel Park Company Ltd.

Snorkel Safaris

Snuba/Sea Trek

South Carolina State Port

South Shore Adventures

Special Needs Group

St. Anne Chamber of Commerce

St. Ann Development

St. Kitts & Nevis Tourism Authority

St. Kitts Scenic Railway

St. Lucia Segway

St. Maarten Port Services



St. Thomas Taxi Assoc

St. Thomas-St. John Chamber ofCommerce

Stansfeld Scott Inc.

Starwood Resort Collection

STS Honduras

Sulivan Shipping Services

Sunbury Great House

Suncoast Investments

Sunsation Tours

Sunshine Cruises (1990)

Sunshine Tours

Surfside AquaSports Ltd

Swiss Travel Services

Tabyana Beach

Tall Ships

TAM Travel Corp

Tan Hong - Vietventures

TDC Tours Ltd.

Team Ports & Maritime

TFL Tours

The Calypso Train Tours Ltd

The Caymanian Land & Sea

The Indar Weir Travel

The Port Authority of Jamacia

The Rendezvous Company

The Rendezvous Tour Co

The Tour Company Cayman

Thimothy Mangs

Thomas Smith & Co

Tlaloc Tours S.A. de C.V.

Toronto Hippo Tours

Total Gusto Sa de Cv

Total Quality Tour Marketing

Tour Coop of Puerto Rico

Tourex Acapulco

Transbalkan Travel

Tratamiento Ecologico de Residuos

Travel Services, Inc

Travel Alliance, Inc.

TravExe (Travel Executives)

Tri-Sport

Tringo Tours

Tropical Trail Rides

Tudor Rose

Tura Turizm - Sea Mer Tours AM

Turismo Caleta, S.A.

Turismo Cocha

Turismo Marina

Turisport

UNEXSO

United Shipping Co

United Tour Guides Co-op of PR

Veragua Rainforest

VI Taxi Association

Viva Wyndham Resort

Walk the Plank Zipline

Watapana / Fofoti Tours & Transfers

Waterfront Investments Ltd.

Webster's Tours

West Bay Kayak and Snorkel

White Camel Tours

Wind and Sea Ltd

Wonders of The Barrier Reef Tours LTD

Wrave Ltd

Yellow Tourism Solutions



ORIENTATION & WAIVER All participants shouldcomplete a basic orientation explaining the importance ofthe required safety equipment and sign a liability waiverbefore participating in the excursion. Participation in anATV group excursion calls for a certain degree of maturityand technical knowledge to ensure the safety of all partici-pants. Failure to comply with all safety rules discussed dur-ing the orientation should lead to early termination of theexcursion for that participant.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS An approvedmotorcycle-style helmet, eye protection, closed toe shoes,long pants, and long sleeve shirt will provide the best protec-tion while riding on the trail. Failure to provide and requireproper safety equipment could put your operation and theparticipants at unnecessary risk. In addition, a participant’sfailure to wear the safety equipment and comply with allsafety rules should lead to early termination of the excursionfor that participant.

MECHANICAL INSPECTION Conduct a completeinspection of all vehicles after each use utilizing a formalATV mechanical condition inspection form. Vehicles in needof repair should be taken to the mechanic immediately.Complete necessary repairs prior to the next ride. If the vehi-cle cannot be repaired immediately, it should be red-taggedand the keys secured so that it is not operated until repairs arecomplete.

NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS Communicate to all partici-pants that a zero tolerance policy for use of alcohol and/orother drugs prior to or during the excursion. Operating anATV while drinking or using drugs is unsafe and, in mostcases, illegal.

OBEY THE LAW Know the law with regards to your ATVtour operation. Knowledge of the laws in your area of opera-tion will protect you and your participants by preventingfines and penalties.

OBEY THE RULES All participants should stay on marked

trails and observe posted signs and rules of the trail. Ridingin non-designated areas causes erosion and may disruptwildlife habitat. Failure to follow trail rules and signs couldcause you and your participants to be banned from the rid-ing areas. Most importantly, venturing from marked trailsmay result in participants coming face to face with unex-pected obstacles, such as ditches, drop-offs, cliffs, trees, orbarbed wire.

WATCH YOUR SPEED Always have participants ride at asafe and responsible speed. Know your participants’ abilityand stress that each participant is responsible for driving at asafe pace and avoiding driving carelessly. If you note a par-ticipant driving too fast for the conditions or appearing out ofcontrol, take immediate action. Riding at excessive speedendangers the participant and the group.

NO PASSENGERS Do not permit participants to carry pas-sengers unless their specific ATV is designed for such use.Most ATV's are designed for a single rider. Carrying passen-gers on an ATV designed for a single rider may upset the bal-ance of the machine, making it likely to tip or roll over. Someof the newer ATV's are specifically designed for two riders,as the wheelbase is longer.

AGE REQUIREMENT AND TRAINING Do not allowyoung participants or inexperienced riders to operate ATV’swithout proper training and supervision. Know if there arespecific laws in your area dictating a minimum age require-ment for operating an ATV. Request to see appropriate iden-tification of all participants to confirm age.

MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE Maintain a safe distancebetween riders; tailgating may lead to collisions andinjuries. Instruct participants to allow the rider in front somespace. Implement the 4 Second Rule---that is, the participantselects an object ahead as a marker and should not pass thatmarker for 4 seconds after the rider in front has passed it.This technique allows ample distance between riders.However, in unusual circumstances, you may need a greaterdistance between riders. The tour guide may not anticipate


ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV) TOUR OPERATOR

Aon Risk Management Best Practices


when a participant will need to stop quickly or turn sharplyso as to avoid an object. Constant vigilance is recommendedin order to control speed, horseplay or extreme actions byparticipants.

MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION AND VISUAL Alltour groups should be escorted by a lead company driverand a trailing company driver, both carrying electroniccommunication hardware. Full visual of the entire groupshould be maintained at all times. If any participant devi-ates from the trail or drives away from the group in anunexpected manner, tour guides should radio each otherto coordinate their efforts in controlling the situationimmediately.

CHECK THE WEATHER Do not operate tours in unsafeweather conditions. Be informed of local weather conditions,as it may have a dramatic impact on the trail’s condition.Rain makes trails muddy and slick. Snow conceals obstaclesand ice. Sun may cause sunburns, dehydration, or heatstroke.

Your safety orientation should consider weather and trailconditions.

KNOW THE AREA YOU RIDE IN Get to know the areayou operate tours in and identify potential hazards. Are therehidden obstacles? How deep is the water? How steep are thehills? The more knowledgeable you are about the terrain andtrails you operate on, the greater safety you can provide foryour participants.

CARRY A MAP, GPS & SAFETY/SURVIVIAL EQUIP-MEMT The tour guide should carry a map of the trail orarea to be travelled. Getting lost may result in navigatingareas exceeding participant skill level. If a map is not avail-able, consider a GPS (Global Positioning System). Mostmodern GPS’s have a track-back feature allowing you toretrace your ride and return to the starting place. Tour guidesshould also ensure there is proper safety and survival equip-ment at hand based on the terrain, group size, duration anddistance of ride.


All Aon commentaries and reference materials are purely advisory and intended for the purpose of assisting our clients in risk control andsafety procedures. Commentaries and reference materials were developed from sources believed to be reliable and do not purport to referto or guarantee full compliance with local, state or federal regulations which may be applicable; nor do manuals, commentaries and ref-erence materials signify or imply that other hazards do not exist. Aon Risk Services, Inc. assumes no responsibility for implementation,management and operation of risk control and safety procedures.

Aon Contact: Hellen Mena, Tour Operators Group • e: [email protected] • p: 1.305.961.6231



Roosevelt Kirkland – First Engineer Officer, Holland America Line

My name is Roosevelt Kirkland. I was born in Portland, Jamaica and now reside in Kingston,Jamaica. Presently I am employed through Viking Recruitment and have worked for HollandAmerica Line since November 1999 I started at the rank as third engineer officer and workedthrough the ranks to first engineer officer.

My career in the marine engineer industry started when I completed my engineering cadet train-ing at the Jamaica Maritime Training Institute in 1989. I furthered my studies at the South TynsideCollege in England, where I achieved my Chief Engineer Certificate.

Before working for Holland America Line I worked for other shipping companies with varyingtypes of ships, such as oil tankers, general cargo and container ships. My professional career for

the cruise ship industry has been a transformation, it gives me that sense of job security and working environment that I wassearching for. Holland America Line is such an excellent company that I would recommend to any one that would like to pur-sue a career in the marine industry. They treat each individual with equal opportunity no matter their race, sex or rank.

As a first engineer officer, I report directly to the Chief Engineer Officer. I am mainly responsible for the supervision andadministration aspect of the technical department. I have great job satisfaction, all of us work as a team to achieve our highlevel of targets. I am committed at all times to set a high standard for my fellow co-worker to follow.

The good thing about working on ships is allows you to travel to different places, learn about new culture and see how people from these countries live. On board the ship I work with multi-cultural nationalities. This enables me to have a betterunderstanding of how to treat and interact with different people from varying background.

At the end of my contract, it is always a great feeling knowing that I will be going home to my family. Holland America Lineis a great company and this is where I will end my career.

Faces In The Industry

Sebastian K. Emura – Guest Services Manager, Carnival Cruise Lines

My name is Sebastian K. Emura, and I am from Colombia. Five years ago I joined the CarnivalCruise Lines family, and I am currently the Guest Services Manager on board the Carnival Legend.

My degree in hotel and tourism business management opened many doors for me, and I knewafter graduation I wanted to work in the service industry. I didn’t know a lot about cruising, butwhen I was on vacation in Miami, I met some crew members who told me about Carnival. Asthey say, the rest is history.

Working on a cruise ship is perfect for me because I get to work in all areas of service. I startedin the Purser’s Office, which is now called the Guest Services Department, and I worked myway up through the ranks to become the Guest Services Manager. I oversee the Guest Services

Department operation and ensure we achieve guest satisfaction on all levels. I’m also proud to be a trained member ofCarnival’s CareTeam that assists guest or crew members during emergency situations.

My position goes beyond working directly with guests. I also supervise the clearance of the ship upon arrival in each portby presenting the proper legal documentation to local officials.

Working on a cruise ship is an amazing experience, especially living in a multicultural society where you get to meet peo-ple from different nationalities. Carnival has made it possible for me to visit places I never thought I would go to. Aruba ismy favorite port because it’s a beautiful island, has nice beaches and the cuisine is amazing. (They also have a niceColombian restaurant!) I miss my family and friends back home sometimes, but I have become part of a new family of crewmembers who support me, and we all grow together. At the end of each contract, there is always a memory, anecdote orstory that everyone back home is waiting to hear about, and I always look forward to telling them about my adventures.

Jamaica

Colombia


Brent Marcano – Provision Master, Royal Caribbean International

Hello, my name is Brent Marcano, and I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. I havebeen working for Royal Caribbean for ten years. During the course of my first contract, I havehad the opportunity to see many amazing places that I thought I might never have the chanceto see. It is nice to know the many different people from so many different places and to havea chance to understand and see the different cultures first-hand, also to develop friendships withall of them.

I first started working in the galley on Vision of the Seas, after a few months, I was moved tothe Provision Department. After about three years, I went to Germany to be a part of the start-up team for the Jewel of the Seas. From then on I have continued to move up the ladder toProvision Storekeeper, then as an Inventory Control Specialist, to where I am today as

Provision Master on the Voyager of the Seas.

As Provision Master one of my main duties is to have enough food on board to feed all our guests and crew, making surethat we deliver the WOW to all.

Hope you will join us sometime onboard Voyager of the Seas.

Trinidad & Tobago

Faces In The Industry


From left to right, Irene Simmons, Chief of Staff Cabinet, St. Maarten, Larry Stauffer, Disney Cruise Line,Joanne Salzedo, Norwegian Cruise Line, Lisa Jensen, Princess Cruises, Mark Mingo, CEO, St. Maarten

Harbor Group of Companies, Honorable Roland Duncan, Minister of Justice, St. Maarten, Michele M. Paige,FCCA, Matthew Sams, Holland Americal Line, Honorable Theo Heyliger, Vice Prime Minister, St. Maarten,Stephen Nielsen, Princess Cruises, Michael Ronan, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Gordon Buck, CarnivalCruise Lines, Federico Gonzalez, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Amilcar Cascais, Carnival Cruise Lines.


With three of the world’s most beautiful islands nestled so close together, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers something for everyone. Treat your passengers to not one but three world-class destinations.

A DESTINATION YOUR PASSENGERS WILL LOVE. ACTUALLY, THREE DESTINATIONS YOUR PASSENGERS WILL LOVE.

ST. CROIX

In St. Croix, every sunrise brings with it not only a mesmerizing view, but a wealth of culture and possibilities. Here, a traveler’s itinerary can be as busy or as relaxed as they see fi t. The rich culture and history found on St. Croix is matched by a sense of adventure that’s found on every corner of the island. Our visitors are free to embark on a number of activities. Relax on our white sand beaches. Tour a colonial landmark. Dive into our crystal-clear waters. Visit a rum distillery. See everything. Or, do nothing. In a place as breathtaking and limitless as St. Croix, travelers are free to explore it all. But only if they want to.

S

©2011 United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

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ST. THOMAS

Gorgeous beaches. Crystal-clear waters. Breathtaking views. A place as beautiful as St. Thomas offers travelers everything,and lots of it. Here, the choices are as limitless as the horizon. Travelers can break away from the crowd or jump right in it. They can relax on one of St. Thomas’s unspoiled beaches or hop right into our duty-free shopping mecca. They can parasail high above our skies or discover St. Thomas’s world-class cuisine. Amazing shopping, white sand beaches and endless water activities — here in St. Thomas, life moves with an energy and a vibe all its own.

ST. JOHN

Let your passengers experience a place so intimate that it feels like their own private island. St. John is only a 15-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, yet it somehow feels like its own world. The moment a traveler steps foot on St. John, they are greeted with a beauty, serenity and tranquility only St. John can offer. Miles and miles of untouched national park stretch as far as the eye can see. Hiking trails line the hills above pristine white sand beaches. For travelers looking for some of the most unspoiled natural landscapes in the world, St. John is the ultimate in relaxation and beauty.

ST. JOHN

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C A R N I VA L D R E A M | C A R N I VA L S E N S AT I O N | D I S N E Y M A G I C | D I S N E Y D R E A M | N O R W E G I A N S U N R O YA L C A R I B B E A N F R E E D O M O F T H E S E A S | R O YA L C A R I B B E A N M O N A R C H O F T H E S E A S

( C A R N I VA L E C S TA S Y, N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 | D I S N E Y FA N TA S Y, A P R I L 2 0 1 2 )

© Disney

© SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.

© Universal Orlando Resort

Once upon a time perhaps, vacationers had simple wants. Good food, sun by the pool, an evening show…




For additional information, contact Cruise Development at 321.783.7831, extension 253.

attitude, and we have what it takes to make your guestse the closest port to Orlando via an uncongested and strAdd that we’r

e- and post-cruise packages that your guests will rand prthat transcend the or…And why bringing ships to Port Canaveral is the next sound business decision to make. Because her

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attitude, and we have what it takes to make your guestse the closest port to Orlando via an uncongested and str

e- and post-cruise packages that your guests will reaching out just beyond your ships to Central Florida/Orlando attractions for shordinary — by rthat transcend the or

…And why bringing ships to Port Canaveral is the next sound business decision to make. Because her

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eaking cruise experiences… But today? They want excitement, they want choices, they want to do things they’ve never done befor


, our first-class facilities and cruise-friendly essway

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fcca cruising magazine 3rd qtr. 2011

Documents

great cruise

cruise ship

quarterly magazine

pm page

sustainable cruise industry

ways cruise lines

annual fcca cruise conference

cruising magazine